Boy’s body recovered day after he went missing in Aripo River

The body of nine-year-old Majeed "Cookie" Rasheeda was discovered on Sunday morning, a day after he went missing in the Aripo River.

Majeed, of Cumuto, Wallerfield, is believed to have drowned after he reportedly slipped and was swept away in the river during a family outing on Saturday.

Relatives immediately tried to retrieve Majeed, but they could not reach him.

The police, Coast Guard, the NGO Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT) led by Vallence Rambharat, and other groups were alerted, and a massive search began.

Shortly before 8 am on Sunday, HRST took to social media to confirm that the body had been found.

“It was not the outcome we were hoping for, but God knows best. We commiserate with the family, friends, and loved ones. We thank all those involved in the effort,” a Facebook post from HRST said on Sunday.

These included the Arima police led by Insp Jugmohan, acting Insp Ronny Rampallard of the TTPS Air Support Unit, fire officers, relatives and friends.

The police also confirmed that Majeed's body was recovered.

Three weeks ago, on July 30, nine-year-old Omari Providence, of Picton Road in Laventille, was swept away by waves while bathing at sea at Mission Bay in Toco.

Despite ongoing searchers, he remained unaccounted for.

Omari was bathing with other relatives and disappeared under the water after getting into difficulties.

Three relatives also got into difficulties but were rescued and received medical care at Toco Health Centre.

Investigations are ongoing.