“I just hear a big noise and stones were covering us” – survivor of deadly landslide speaks

George (left), Laville (center) and a friend in happier times

Rupert Gilbert Laville feels fortunate to be alive after his friend George Sully suffered a different fate when a deadly landslide came crumbling from above them at the Antrizle Bay on Monday evening.

George was killed on that fatal evening while Laville and another man, Vivian Viville, suffered injuries.

Laville, who was rush to surgery at the Princess Margaret hospital after the landslide, was jovial and in high spirits when interviewed by Dominica News Online but when he spoke of the disaster that ended the life of his friend, his mood changed.

The 40-year-old explained on that fateful afternoon, he and his fried George were heading out to “Point,” a piece of rock on the Antrizle Bay that stretches out into the sea which makes it easier for fishing especially with nets, but the men never made it to their destination.

“While passing under the cliff just before we get to Point I felt pebbles hitting my waist and in no time I just hear a big noise and stones were covering us,” Laville said.

He continued, “I saw my death. I thought if another stone struck my head I would die. I didn’t hear or see George after that.”

Laville explained at that time he was helpless to his assist friend, who apart from fishing usually did farming, carpentry and construction jobs with him.

“I was bleeding and feeling faint. I manage to pull myself out and I sat on a stone close to the shore crying, not for me, but for George,” Laville said.

Laville was rescued by his cousin Peter Fountain who carried to hospital after fishermen made calls to the village,  arranging transportation and informing others about the incident.

Villagers and emergency officials, after hours of digging, Monday night found pieces of what appeared to be the body of George Sully beneath the rubble.

Laville is presently recuperating at hospital.

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21 Comments

  1. GEORGE FAMILY
    July 9, 2011

    To all who sent cards, flowers and grieved with our family during our time of the passing of George Lenus Sully, we are grateful.
    He was a loving Son, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle and cousin of many. Once again thank you all. May his soul rest in peace.

  2. patsy
    May 29, 2011

    just reading the news i know george very well also his family may his soul rest in peace . To his family God will take of you

  3. Speechless
    May 23, 2011

    Never thought something like that would happen in Antrizle. Glad to hear Gilo is okay. May George soul rest in peace!

  4. NICY
    May 20, 2011

    IT’S SO SAD TO KNOW THAT HAPPEN WHERE I GROW UP IN ATKINSON, I LIVE IN ATLANTA, BUT I PRAY THAT MY FAMILY IN ATKINSON IS SAFE,GOD BLESS YOU ALL AT HOME, GILO AM PRAYING FOR U,AND MAY GEORGE REST IN PEACE, GOD BLESS.

  5. Annonymous
    May 19, 2011

    very very sad. to the family i say find comfort and strength in prayer, at this time of grief.
    my heart goes out to his mother especially. be strong mammy and hold on.

  6. Messed up!!
    May 19, 2011

    Ghilo boy, respect… it wasn’t ur time to go. Its been proven that u have nine lives… as a matter of fact u are a high breed…. u have more than nine lives…. see u soon my friend..sorry about George. May he rest in peace!

  7. VAW
    May 19, 2011

    Provide more information, a map of DA with the location of the accident??????

  8. bs
    May 19, 2011

    antrizle is in th east after the carib reserve before concord
    condolences to th families may god give them strength to make it through these trying times.

  9. Reader
    May 19, 2011

    Sad story, condolences are in order, but the writer of the story did a poor job of reporting, WHERE IS ANTRIZLE?

  10. ?????
    May 18, 2011

    In what parish is Antrizle?

    • jean bois
      May 19, 2011

      St. David

  11. o.o
    May 18, 2011

    This is quite disturbing. Did they say peaces?

  12. Vanguard
    May 18, 2011

    Just too sad

  13. hmm
    May 18, 2011

    be strong Gillo n get well soon.

  14. Pauly Castalano
    May 18, 2011

    It has been a sad week.. this accident, death from leptospirosis and the bayfront accident..

  15. Saminthia Viville, from Boston
    May 18, 2011

    The George family, be strong..

  16. Dee
    May 18, 2011

    Get well soon Gillo!!

  17. Rags2Riches
    May 18, 2011

    What a sad situation be strong my brothers!

  18. so sad
    May 18, 2011

    where is the fella from the one who died,he looks like someone from pointe michel

    • Kalinago in New York
      May 18, 2011

      He was from Antrizzle

  19. hello
    May 18, 2011

    life goes on but this is very sad. god bless

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