Body of missing soldier recovered in Cuyuni River

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday confirmed the recovery of the body of 24-year-old Lance Corporal Stefon Tudor, who had gone missing two days earlier after falling overboard during a routine patrol along the Cuyuni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Lance Corporal Tudor, who was attached to the 1st Infantry Battalion, and stationed at Eteringbang, reportedly fell into the river sometime between 14:00 and 15:00 h on Thursday, May 29, in the vicinity of the Makapa Rapids near the Guyana-Venezuela border.

Despite immediate rescue attempts by his patrol team, the soldier could not be located, prompting a large-scale search operation spearheaded by the GDF with support from local partners. That sustained effort ended Saturday when Tudor’s body was found approximately 800 metres downstream from where he was last seen. In a statement issued by the military, the GDF expressed deep sorrow at the loss of one of its ranks, and extended heartfelt condolences to the fallen soldier’s family, friends, and fellow troops.
“Lance Corporal Tudor served with professionalism, discipline, and commitment,” the Force said, adding that support continues to be provided to his family during this period of grief.
“The GDF stands in solidarity with all ranks as we mourn the loss of a soldier who died in the line of duty.” The GDF has launched a formal Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Tudor’s disappearance sent shock waves through the ranks and among the public, as troops stationed at both Eteringbang and Makapa had immediately mobilised in search of their missing comrade.
The GDF had earlier reassured that no resources would be spared in the efforts to find him, and affirmed its continued commitment to the safety of all personnel deployed across the country.
The young soldier is remembered for his dedication and service in one of the country’s most challenging frontier locations. The results of the inquiry into his death are expected to help improve operational safety for future river patrols in the area.
The discovery of Lance Corporal Stefon Tudor’s body comes just months after a similar tragedy claimed the life of police Lance Corporal Jermaine Batson, who drowned during a routine river patrol in the Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
Batson’s body was recovered at around 14:00h, four days after he went missing. It was found about 100 yards from where the boat he was travelling in had sunk.
The incident occurred during a patrol on a Tuesday morning and involved Lance Corporal Batson, Constable Quincy Marks, and 30-year-old boat captain Ransdale Melville of Third Avenue, Bartica. The men had departed Puruni Landing around 09:00h.
At about 11:45h, while heading upstream, the engine suddenly cut off, causing water to flood the vessel. As the boat began to sink, Batson jumped into the river while Marks and Melville scrambled to a nearby rock and secured the boat to a branch. Batson was last seen holding onto a branch on the opposite side of the river, confirming during a brief conversation that he was safe and checking on the others.
While Marks and Melville worked to bail water from the boat and restart the engine, Batson vanished from sight. After a brief search proved futile, the two men proceeded to a nearby camp to access Wi-Fi and report the incident. The officer’s body was found some time later.