The police say they are conducting investigation into the death of Russel Southgate, a 50-year-old man of Calgary Canada, at Batibou Beach.
The incident occurred on December 13, 2012 about 1:15pm.
Russel, who was a frequent visitor to the island, was in the company of his girlfriend and two other friends sea bathing at Batibou beach.
According to his girlfriend, Russel encountered difficulty in the water while he was some distance away from the rest of the group and by the time they were able to assist, he was unconscious.
Help was sought and Southgate’s body was transported to the Marigot Hospital by the Fire and Ambulance Services and upon arrival was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
The body was then transported to the Princess Margaret Hospital mortuary pending a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death, the police said.
I doubt anyone is still reading this story, but I came across it today, the day before the one year anniversary of my father’s death. My father loved Dominica, and though his death was sudden and unexpected, I know if he could’ve chosen, he would have picked Dominica for his last moments. It wasn’t the water that took him, it was his own body giving out and it’s better that it did so in a place he loved than at his desk back home.
Please don’t worry about his death putting a black mark on your country’s reputation abroad. Anyone that knew him and the circumstances of his death will tell you he died in the most beautiful place in the world. Despite the sad memories, I hope to visit your country again one day and enjoy the place my father was happiest.
Agree wholeheartedly. I too hope to return to Dominica one day. It is indeed a beautiful island.
I was one of the “two other friends”. Russell died suddenly of natural causes – he did not drown. This incident had nothing to do with sea conditions or anyone’s negligence. Thank you to the wonderful, kind people of Dominica who helped us sort out this sad situation and get Russell home. R.I.P.
What the hell
Recent incidents of accidental deaths, especially by drowning at our beaches, exposes severe weaknesses with our tourism product. We can rationalize away these unfortunate occurrences all we want.
We can claim that is not government’s responsibility (central and local). We can blame the victims all we care to by invoking their craving for adventure, hard-headedness, thriftiness etc., etc. Our excuses is a practical experience in failing to take responsibility.
Think about the following for a minute. Does not tourism, by its very nature, require one to have the spirit of and engage in adventure? Which in itself presupposes a measure of mental doggedness? And don’t our tourism product in its orientation (i.e., eco-tourism) imply a need for the would-be ecotourist to be frugal when pursuing the thrill of a lifetime outdoors?
If the foregoing is true, then the questions still is: What are we doing as a nation to render our tourism product safe and sine qua non? Even as we accept that, no matter how well you prepare, unfortunate things will happen.
What boggles my mind is that we are a small country – no bigger than the size of a small-sized town on any one of the continents. So, by now, one would think that greater partnerships would have been forged between public and private concerns in order to advance any number of tourism-related initiatives island-wide.
One contributor on here flirted with the idea or suggested implementing his/her own lifeguard program for our beaches. Another suggestion is that the government post practical details highlighting the conditions at our main beaches, including tendency for rip currents, availability of tour guides, and other safety information, to better prepare consumers.
These are all valuable and pragmatic recommendations that can only contribute to actual safety – or, at the very least – improve ours and the tourist’s sense of security when accessing our beaches.
Frankly speaking, the incidents of accidental deaths on several of our beaches are too many. If we keep in mind the smallness of our country, the newness, indeed the fragility of our tourism product, government (Yes, I said it!) has a special responsibility for taking on board (as we say in the islands these days) the responsibility of securing all our beaches.
The Dominican authorities should endeavor to partner with emerging ideas, from whoever they come, for enhancing safety at our beaches in the effort at improving the tourism product.
To stand aside and pretend that it is someone else’s fault, or for that matter, local government’s responsibility, or to even imply that their unfortunate demise at our beaches is simply the fault of the over-indulgent tourist is totally irresponsible.
Oh Oh…. how can that be? But we’ve changed the names of the mountains, how can people die in Dominica? We’ve gotten rid of the Diable…
Many visitors dont listen to what “natives” say.
That is simply not true -why make a comment like that
There may be an undercurrent in the sea at Batibou Beach which may have been strong in addition to if the sea was rough. However, did anyone consider that some people go swimming immediately after eating a heavy meal? I hope he did not drink liquor prior to going to the sea. These are not wise to do. The food should be first digested prior to swimming or they should eat after coming out from the water, from swimming. I wonder if this could have been a cause of his distress in the water. The autopsy will reveal the cause of death.
The same applies when we eat in the evening, prior to retiring to bed. We should not go to sleep with a heavy stomach. This should take approximately two hours. It is wise and safe to do. Ask any medical doctor.
This accident was not to do with bad currents, or anything like that. The poor soul had a heart attack while snorkeling. Died while doing something that he loved.
We should all be so lucky when it is our time to go.
Thanks G.A for the insight. I’m saddened by his death. May he RIP.
That was the 68 year old man from the cruise ship that had a heart attack and dies while snorkeling!
please read the story properly,
the man died on the 13th and this one died on Wednesday the 19th….. two separate incidents..
thatas a different case that happened on the 13th the man from the cruise ship was the 19th 2 different cases, 2 different dates.
Not again. Dominica will now be seen as a place to go and die.
Poeple die everywhere.
This is a silly statement. Be smart. As a human being you should know that people die at anytime and anywhere. Dominica is not an exception.
I was told of someone whom I knew, an African who was traveling by air from Canada to Africa. While the plane was flying, he died. He could have got a heart attack. His body was flown to Africa for burial. Rather than arrive alive, he arrived dead. How often these unexpected deaths occur. I suppose that when your time is up it is up. Next time find something sensible to state.
you mean there’s no cemetery outside of Dominica? People died.
Every child in the area knows that one is cautious with Batibou and Number One. Where are the signs? Swimm at your own risk or Strong current. Foreigners are also hard headed and think that they are swimming in bathtubed waters like in Europe or the US or any other vacation spot for the masses. They also do not listen to the locals on caution since they think that they can swim anyways. I bring foreigners to Dominica myself and it is not always an easy task.
I think we should simply say, “accept our sympathies” to the family and friends of those who has lost their lives on our Island, either on the beach or a traffic or boating accident. It is NOT the Island’s fault that these things happen. Our people lose their live in other countries, whom do we blame? The Tourist Industry should really post signs at different locations where visitors go to experience the beauty of the Island. Accidents are everywhere. Sad stories we do not want to adhere, but unfortunately we need to be informed of them regardless of the nature.
Correction – Our people lose their lives in other countries.
Now that we have changed the names of the mountains, foreigners will stop dying here.
OHHH LAWD…SMH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But what is going on in Dominica nuh?
Something wrong…
no it’s not dominica dats the prob. it’s the ppl who go there. honesty, in my opinion i think is the foreigners that’s the problem not Dominica. cuz it’s not dominica fault that they’re dead it’s the individual fault. they have to learn how to be careful with the things they do!
so ya. lol
What is going on elsewhere in the world?
The same thing that happens everywhere, everyday. We’re not immune to anything. Ish happens. Its really ridiculous to jump and say stupid statements like this.
I am sorry that a male foreign national drowned. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. May his soul rest in peace. Amen!
How many people need to drown in that location before they take preventive measures. People have been drowning there for as long as I can remember. That kind of news is terrible for the tourist industry. Wake up guys!
This is still one of the most beautifull locations in dominica. I grew up in that area picnicing nad night fishing but this area has the worst rip tide. Very dangerous under currents that are very unpredictable; not very good for swimming. Sorry to hear abount such a sad incident.
dno batibou is close to bense
Well maybe they should put up signs that read “swim at your own risk” where there are no life guards, people might think twice before going in.
R.I.P! so sad
gone are the days when I lived in Dominica when the new paper came once every two weeks and practically incident free
The news was then boring, not exciting and practically free of incidents or not at all. Setting aside this drowning which is sad, today, there is a lot of action. Dominica has had its share. It could do with a lull forever.
I guess you also want to go back to the days of pit toilets, standpipes and boozai too…smdh
That’d be nice. I miss a boozai
.
Such a silly response. Not everyone had a pit toilet. I expect you did.
when foreigners come to the country, it is wise that they get a tour guide when visiting certain places, they dont want to pay tour guides, they just want to go everywhere on their own. and i also believe that certain popular tourist areas should have signs for example there should be a sign at titou gorge, explaining the depths and also indicating that only strong swimmers should enter the gorge.
Dear Lord
What is our pm doing wrong you punishing us so?
Alas, you have compuet oui??
Take your time when typing! We can see that you are new to it.
ou troh sorte
is it possible to be foreign and national at the same time ?
Admin: Yes. A foreign national is a person who is not a citizen of the host country in which he or she is residing or vacationing. For example, a foreign national in Canada is someone who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada. However, in the European Union, a foreign national is a citizen of a country that does not belong to the European Union.
Yes. A native of another country is called a foreign national.
Once the word ‘foreign’ is used it should be understood that the person is from another country, a national of another country.
why is d/ca dey coming and die nuh????
lol
Can we conclude that Dominica is when of the most popular death destination?
DNO, where are our life guards?
Sunflower, I agree with you. If one is visiting for the first time, he or she should have be with someone who knows about the place. We have very rough seas and some areas are just too dangerous. The tourists should be notified by the tour guides or whoever takes them to their sites.
Its a leap year
around 15 people from my village died this yr both young and old, here and abroad.
papa met…Lord be with us!
what about putting up some warning signs on our beaches. especially over on the east coast, to warn people of the dangers of strong rip tides etc. how about flags , red for extreme danger etc. this wouldn’t be to expensive to do. we must start warning people of the dangers.
Warnings are important, but the question is, will they take heed of the warnings?
If they have sense they should. He was from Calgary. If there was a conspicuous warning sign, as an adult I am certain that he would not have ignored it. If he did it would be at his peril.
Calgary has a lake and there are warning signs, “Do not bathe beyond this point.” He would be fully aware of such signs.
madea wants to know if the name bati-bou will be changed by the guys who changed the names of morne aux-diables and morne diable-blow-tins…because so many tourists meet tragedy at bati-bou maybe the devil there too…lol. I mean it sound like a faggot/homo name BATI BWOI… if you know what i mean… madea wanna know
This year is a leap year.
i hope the sympathy protocol officer in the ministry of foreign affairs and in conjunction with the ministry of tourism are out sending the condolences to the various family..and don’t leave it at that. please follow up afterwards….losing a love one is so sad….plus losing he or she on vacation in a tiny island is even more shocking/……..vacations are somehow suppose to give reverence feelings……..or some form or new life refreshers? Just a feeling
‘in a tiny island’. This should have been left out. What difference it makes whether it is a tiny or small or bigger island?
As is bad stuff always goind down at this beach…kidnapping, robberies…and look now death…
There were exceptionally strong waves & currents on the Atlantic side the last couple of days. The undertow was fierce & would have been a challenge to the most experienced swimmer. Our little street is very saddened by this gentleman’s death yesterday.
You seem to be knowledgeable about currents. Why can’t the locals in the village, with some assistance from the government place signs on the beach and in the vicinity (1) warning visitors that there are dangerous ‘ rip currents’ (2) swimming is at their own risk..
The Atlantic sea is worst than he Caribbean sea.
Ocean, Atlantic Ocean.
thank you DNO….what the importance of listing the number of Deaths….its best to go back to the year 1999 to now and list all the dead ‘non-nationals’ who died in Dominica…what great publicity for our sweet Dominica.
thats true. we dont want to be biased or hypocrite but we want to protect our country name. this is going out all over the world and there are things that just dont make sense being said.
what are you going to do dno, make dominica or break dominica? you have a choice
What protection of its name? No harm has been done to Dominica. The harm is the amount and types of crimes and murders.
Visitors should be made aware of the areas where it is dangerous to swim. It is for their protection and not that of Dominica’s.
I totally agree with you on this one. They were so anxious to list the death they did not even take time to finish the story. Long after they are stating where Batibou Beach is. ADMIN I am calling on you again, sad stories sells but please highlight the good that exist in our beautiful country. That list was very unecessary there.
It is not unusual that the number of people who died under whatever circumstances is usually broadcasted, printed or posting. This information originated from the relevant statistics.
DNO did not err to post it. I would think it is also for everyone’s – swimmers’ information that they might be careful when swimming in those areas. This will not deter visitors from the island or from swimming in that area. Everyone should be made aware of that danger.
Thank you DNO! Everyone who accesses your Website and as the News spread, they should take note and advise others accordingly.
OH MY GOD PEOPLE IT IS SAD FOR OUR COUNTRY TO BE GETTING ALL THESE DEATH, FOREIGNERS PLEASE BE MORE CAREFUL WHEN GOING ON THE BEACH THE CARIBBEAN SEA IS NOT THE SAME AS OTHERS SO DONOT JUST GO LIKE YOU CAN MASTER SWIMMING ANY WHERE. PLEASE GO WITH SOMEONE THAT KNOW THE PLACE.
It is not the sea, it is the ocean!!! The Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea.
You are not too intelligent. Should we say Caribbean Ocean too? Ocean means sea; deep sea.
sunflower Batibou is on the atlantic ocean
that sea was not the caribbean see
‘caribbean see?’ Let us see.
Health and safety again. Dca lapsing. Look like I have to start a volunteer lifeguard group. Seems the authorities cannot afford to place two lifeguards on each popular Dominican beach. Come on man
What a great idea! Stop relying on government to do everything.
Condolences to the family of the deceased.
You are right. We cannot afford to place two lifeguards on each popular Dominican beach. If we did, they would have to be 24/7 or those beaches would have to be closed at night.
Tips on “How To Stay Safe in the Water on Your Caribbean Vacation” can be found on the Go Caribbean website:
http://gocaribbean.about.com/od/beforeyougo/ht/WaterSafety.htm
If somebody were to be killed by a coconut falling from a tree under which he was taking a nap, are we going to have to install nets under all coconut trees?
Foreign nationals and locals alike need to exercise caution at all times.
You people really sicken me. How many beaches in America have lige guards yet people still drown? How many of them went surfing when Hurrican Sandy and many other storms were approaching and drowned?
We are very much aware that too many times no these tourists go to those places without even a tour guide feeling that they can do it by themselves or in order to save money; which often times result in accidents.
Stop going on like these things only happen in Dominica.
They ignore advice all the time for the sake of adventure; they do not understand that the sea is not the same sea everywhere.
America is no concern of mine. This is Dominica. And to answer your question, all popular American beaches have lifeguards. Been to both la n Miami. Where you think the idea for Baywatch come from? Go australia and its the same. I wonder where in America you visit. If you’re in ny I want to know what beach that is so popular in ny. But jersey has lifeguards too so there you go
How about the politician who represents that area?
HMM MORE DEATHS TO END THIS YEAR…
so sad
God watching us
That is sad
my heart felt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the deceased,may they find comfort even in this time of grief.God bless.
Bondiay what is that for us dere nah???
At the end of 2012 we want a tally of all Freak accidents, Vehicle accidents, Murders and robberies.
There are accidents, murders and robberies all over the world, many more than here in DA. Not that I like to hear about these things happening here in DA, but it is inevitable. It is part of life and has been from the beginningof time!!!!
I never even mention anything about all over the world, What are you a bunch of morons? I just wanted to know the Year statistics. You defending something man pal? Sell out your business still and stay in complete denial. Read my comment again, What your reply tell me is that things are getting worst and I didn’t even ask for that answer.
It cannot be for statistical reasons….so what is it to you; this tally?
Just want to see It out of curiosity. Seems pretty bad and they were quite frequent this year. Not to mention the year is still not over..
It is simple and easy to do. If Trolol wants statistics on those occurrences, he/she could keep a personal record whenever DNO posts them.
LOL….for Dominica or the whole world? I guess to you the whole rest of the world is safe from accidents, robberies, deaths, etc. I tried to tell you this before. What part do you not get. No country in the world is immune from these things. Yes, it is sad, but it is and always be part of life and Dominica is still one of the safest Islands in the Caribbean!
RIP
I agree with you