Sugar Dock claims its 5th victim this year

A man died while snorkeling with his son beyond the reefline across the Sugar Dock—the fifth casualty this year on the waters off the popular beach site.

The boy, who is around 10 years old, managed to save himself by clinging to his father’s floating body.

The incident prompted Department of Public Safety commissioner Edward Camacho to respond to the scene, along with policemen and crime scene investigators.

Police refused to reveal the identity of the victim but Camacho described the fatality as a Caucasian male. Based on initial investigation, the man and his son were snorkeling beyond the reefline when the incident occurred.

A fishing boat brought the victim’s body ashore. Police covered the body with a white blanket, before crime scene operatives took custody of it for autopsy.

Although police believe that the man likely died from drowning, Camacho noted that the man had abrasions on the body. “We do not want to rule anything out yet,” Camacho said.

Camacho said the occurrence of several drownings at the Sugar Dock should be a concern, saying that preventive measures should be looked at for implementation, including the possible closure of the beach site for recreational purposes.

“It’s time that we need to look at [the proposal] again,” said Camacho, referring to the proposed commercial development of the dock, which was opposed by many residents who have recreational and cultural affinity with the Sugar Dock.

He also said a beach closure could be temporary, when authorities determine that conditions are hazardous.

There has been a legislative proposal to empower the DPS to close beach sites during bad weather and other dangerous conditions, which can result in citations for beach goers who will insist on going to closed beach sites.

Camacho also said he is thinking of detailing lifeguards at the Sugar Dock. He said he would like the DPS’ Boating Safety to have a facility at the site, so that its personnel could quickly respond to distress happening at sea. At this time, however, the DPS is facing financial and manpower problems.

The seafloor at the Sugar Dock has varying depth, making it dangerous for swimmers. Camacho noted the recent death of three Chinese women, who all drowned the night before Typhoon Tingting made landfall on Saipan.

Before the death of the three Chinese, a Chamorro man also passed away after drowning at Sugar’s waters.

High surf on the reefline was visibly apparent from the dock yesterday afternoon. The Emergency Management Office released high surf advisories yesterday.