UPDATE: Chinese national dies in Layou River, one missing

The mouth of the Layou River
The mouth of the Layou River. File photo

The police say they are conducting investigations into an incident in the Layou River which left one Chinese national dead and another missing.

According to police PRO, Inspector John Carbon, on June 16 five Chinese national were casting fishing nets in the mouth of the river when two, who were submerged, encountered difficulties since they could not swim.

Zufu Kun, 60, who resided at Goodwill was fished out of the river in an unconscious state at about 6:20 pm.

He was taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Inspector Carbon said a search is now ongoing for 24-year-old Yang Kang.

He said coroner’s inquest will be convened and a post mortem will follow to determine Kun’s exact cause of death.

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72 Comments

  1. kindness
    June 18, 2013

    **attitude**

  2. kindness
    June 18, 2013

    Shame on you FRANCISCO TELEMAQUE for speaking to a 9 year old this way. You just blew your opportunity to teach and educate a Youngster. He/she is only 9, for crying out loud. You with your self righteous attitu, Mr. KNOW-IT-ALL. Maybe you’re not a parent. If you are , DOUBLE SHAME ON YOU BIG BULLY.

    • Jay
      June 18, 2013

      With respect. Francisco is not my favourite cup of tea either but the nine year old decided to enter this forum of his/her own free will (I presume he/she was not coerced by an adult ?) so they must expect any critique that awaits any other contributor, bearing in mind that the DNO editor acts as a moderator. This is not a handicap race. Y

    • June 18, 2013

      Do you really believe that person is nine years old?

      I do not think so, in any event I have taught the person a real lesson, hopefully they will no longer consider fishing to be the same as hunting in the natural sense!

      I explained the difference in fishing and hunting, that is what should be important to the person.

      Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

  3. Malatete
    June 18, 2013

    So sad to read this. To die like this, so far from home and family. I hope they are not victims twice, of drowning and laogai. may their souls rest in peace.

  4. Justice and Truth
    June 17, 2013

    I am sorry to know of this incident. My heartfelt sympathy to the family of the man who died and also to the family of the one who is missing. We know what the latter outcome will be.
    God is love and merciful. May God comfort their family. May their souls rest in peace. Amen!

  5. Frabo
    June 17, 2013

    “Post mortem will follow to determin the cause of death.” Save that money! I’ll tell you now, that is was death by drowning.

  6. Top cop
    June 17, 2013

    I always here old people say river mouth is dangerous to bathe a few years ago a 4 year old child drown at that same river body yet to be found any way hold our chineese family in da

  7. June 17, 2013

    Zor racist en Dominique wii papa. Not because its chinese we have to be so negative. they are humans too. I hope they recover the body soon.

  8. Anonymous
    June 17, 2013

    Sad story but we have proved one thing out of all this. We Dominicans value life more than race, colour or creed!!!! We have proven to ourselves that despite the differences we seemingly have with our Chinese residents, life is worth much more than that. And to the people of Layou who were there assisting during the ordeal… hats off. Our talk can be cheap or expensive at times but we know and value life as being priceless…. and for that we have proven to ourselves that we can be tolerant to our Chinese brothers and sisters..

    • Justice and Truth
      June 17, 2013

      You made an excellent point. There are times people could be mean to others. No matter what our feelings, if people are in danger and are in our presence, our humane instinct will do all we can to assist them. It shows the human side of people. This is why God is so merciful and forgiving. He loves us all no matter what our nationality, race, color or creed. He knows there are two sides to mortals, the good and the bad. When the time comes for eternal judgment, He weighs them separately. If the good exceeds the bad, then Heaven will be the reward.

  9. DC
    June 17, 2013

    No one should be targeted because of political views. I remain a firm supporter of the Government and i make no apology about it. If you are targeting me because of my political affiliation, then, my support will only be strengthened. To the family of the deceased, i apologize, once again my sympathy. However, i do not tolerate nor support anything which displays bias.

  10. DC
    June 17, 2013

    DNO, some of these comments spew venom, hate, stereotype, yet you post them expeditiously, however, comments with messages of love and unity are subjected to scrutiny by you. Shame! My profound sympathy to the family. One loved. We are all humans . Stop the stereotyping now

  11. Big-Bannan
    June 17, 2013

    And here i was thinking.. it was only black people who could not swim.

    • Dominican abroad
      June 18, 2013

      What nonsense are you talking about? Can you say something sensible?

  12. T mama
    June 17, 2013

    it have hunting season for fishing stupid

  13. dont edit
    June 17, 2013

    Sad, sorry to hear. Condolences to the grieving family. Just highlights the importance of caution around water ways and the need to have some sort of safety plan.

  14. me
    June 17, 2013

    hold on its not hunting season why are the fishing in a river are the chinese now allowed to break dominicas hunting laws as well ?

    • I DIE NU
      June 17, 2013

      But Dominicans break law too every where they travel.Why do you think so many are deported back to Dominica?

    • June 17, 2013

      the during hunting season it prohibits fresh water fishing; and take note that they were fishing in the river mouth; where the river meets the sea; thus the hunting season (law) is not applicable to that section of the river. ( It is not fresh water)

  15. Francisco Telemaque
    June 17, 2013

    A silly question was asks: something to the effect ( the Chines right to fish)!

    The people resides in Dominica legally, that is all the right they need to fish in the country, they were using nets; unless there is a law which prohibits people from casting nets into the sea, and river at this time of the year why would someone ask such a silly question?

    Someone also mentioned hunting.

    There is a deference in hunting for wild animals, and fishing for fish; in a river or the sea!

    Only one good I see came out of this; and that is much venoms are not spewed, that may well be because people are beginning to accept the residence Chines among us. That was long overdue.

    The Layou River mouth has always been a treacherous place.

    Time have changed, however, over the many years, one cannot remember Dominicans venturing into such territory, because of the roughness of the waters between the river’s mouth, and the sea.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • Anonymous
      June 17, 2013

      I am nine and I know that fishing could be considered hunting. When hunting season opens don’t the include fresh water fish

      • Francisco Telemaque
        June 17, 2013

        If you are nine, and that is your definition of fishing, that to me is an indication you will for the rest of your natural life, be as the rest of Dominica’s most stupid people because fishing is simply defined as: “the sport, or business of catching fish.”

        So, one can fish simply for fun and personal enjoyment, or, gratification; they can fish, and that is catch fish and sell as a source of employment.

        Perhaps it can also be term a place for catching fish!

        Now when people talk about hunting; or hunt, they are implying; to pursue for food or in sport; wild life is another source of food, I have never heard of anyone fishing for wild pigs in Dominica, however I went with a grope of men along with my late father to hunt for wild pigs when I was a kid.

        The term hunting also imply’s to pursue with intent to capture, or attempt to find something, take your pick; however, in the English language, hunting, and fishing denotes two different situation. Then again in Dominica you people speak a different language than the rest of the world, so maybe you might be correct in Dominica English, or linguistics; I do not know.

        Nevertheless, before you make a fool out of yourself be sure you get the concept correctly.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

      • John Paul
        June 17, 2013

        Yes You also need a licence to fish in the rivers
        andYou cant use poison or dynamite etc

    • Anonymous
      June 17, 2013

      Move your ……….. There with that a…………… Could any Dominican go to China and break out?

    • Justice and Truth
      June 17, 2013

      Francisco, my words are insufficient to express your lack of love and consideration toward the nine year-old and also to your other fellow Dominicans. How dare you make such statements? What type of person are you? Who do you think you are? We are all dialoguing with one another, expressing our opinions and asking questions. There is nothing wrong in that. Simply answer the question if you feel you know it or give an explanation. No need to be insulting. Are you that perfect? You have shown you are not. Be kind in your words. Once and for all cease your insulting remarks which you spew to fellow Dominicans. You are discriminating and placing yourself above them as if you know more tha they do.
      Even though I reside abroad, I am a Dominican too. Furthermore there are many intelligent people residing in Dominica. God looks at everyone intelligently for He gave them all intelligence.
      Francisco, you are too haughty and proud and for what. Do you not know as contained in Holy Scripture that, God abhors haughty people – the proud? You should know what is contained in Holy Scriptures: “He shall put down the mighty from their seats and exalteth t0he humble…”
      Try to be nice in your words. The saying, “Words are like atom bombs. Be careful how you use them.” A Christian should be wise in these matters.

      • June 19, 2013

        Justice and Truth!

        I do not mind someone critiquing me when there is a cause for such critique, but the nonsense you are talking about love and all that is not even necessary.

        I do not know how you manage to deduce that crap!

        If you believe the Anonymous who clams to be nine is actually nine; I feel sorry for you because as far as I am concerned the language the person used to express themselves, indicates the person might be more intelligent; better educated than you are!

        You made the claim I have no love, how you manage to deduce that is beyond me when you do not know me! You have never dealt with me in person, one on one, you do not know my inner thoughts, you are not even in a position to anticipate how I may, or may not react to certain situations; so how can you draw such ridiculous conclusion about someone you do not know?

        Don’t you think it is an insult for this person to respond to my comments by saying ” I am nine and I know fishing could be considered hunting when hunting season opens don’t the include fresh water fish”

        If only you had let your commonsense be your guide, you would have interpreted the persons rhetoric to mean: I am younger than you, and you do not know that hunting is the same as fishing; in other words she has classify me as an idiot, or simply a dumb person. I do not play the insult game, if you are not intelligent to know when people fire an insult at you that is you problem, not mine!

        Let me lay this on you; and say I taught this: Words can also be define based in the context in which they are used; i. e. fishing can be defined as a legal interrogation, or examination to discover information for a later proceeding: or investigation that does not stick to a stated objective, however, hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence.

        Deny that if you can with something tangible, not nonsensical sweet sounding words; show me your worth; challenge me using your English grammar, or your linguistics ability!

        When you talk crap you need to have something better to present.

        Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • LawieBawie.
      June 18, 2013

      Anguilla’s laws states clearly that expats who live here are not allowed to fish here. If they want fish they are expected to purchase that commodity from an Anguillan born fisherman or one who has assumed Anguillan rights through marriage. I believe that is common sense and that we should apply similar laws to Dominica. Sad curcumstances however, and I take this opportunity to convey condollences to the family of the dead and/or missing.

  16. hmmm
    June 17, 2013

    but what they go there and fish for?? ah?? I sure the don’t see Dominican fishing there …them Chinese eh they just like to put themselves in things

    • Tijhan
      June 17, 2013

      fast they too damn fast.

  17. Good new
    June 17, 2013

    Why is it not shared

  18. Mike
    June 17, 2013

    I did not the Layou River was so deep that people drowned there. Can someone who is informed enlighten us on the depth of the river?

    • Wiseup
      June 17, 2013

      Are you serious….smh poor u….

      • Truth Seeker
        June 17, 2013

        Ever heard it said that you could drown in a cup of water? Not to exaggerate the point, but it does not require full submersion for you to drown.

    • Tijhan
      June 17, 2013

      erm, deep enough and powerful enough for a 24 yr old man to drown apparently. It is after all a large river.

    • cricketer
      June 18, 2013

      Where the river meets the Caribbean Sea there is a sudden drop of about 50 feet and that is a dangerous area thats where it happened.

  19. alas
    June 17, 2013

    Wow.that is sad…I guess it was in the sea they drowned??

  20. britbob
    June 17, 2013

    Reminds me of another dreadful incident in 2004 when 21 Chinese shell fishermen drowned in England as the tide overtook them (regulations followed to prevent reocurrence) .. condolences to their friends and families .. The people of Layou did themselves proud.

  21. jj
    June 17, 2013

    Coast Guard? Police only CONCERN in D>A> Is drugs. If they were called for in a second there would be the arrival of the DRUG SQUAD.

    • John Paul
      June 17, 2013

      The Police are investigating .Look for the results of the investigation in about 3 years.By that time Labour might be out of Office and they will say is Q95 that caused it lol

  22. Lil Blue
    June 17, 2013

    Sad

  23. Peace
    June 17, 2013

    Why was he in the river’s mouth if he can’t swim. People do exercise care and caution when going on such expeditions.

    • Realist
      June 17, 2013

      Why go on a plane if you can’t fly one or know how to operate a parachute?
      See where I’m coming from? Now, do you see how stupid your comment is.

      • Andy
        June 17, 2013

        Realist you really shouldn’t be calling anybody stupid when your analogy is completely flawed. How can you compare someone on a plane or any other form of public transportation operated by a qualified professional with a non-swimmer venturing into potentially dangerous waters? I am a fairly competent swimmer but not an exceptionally strong one and for that reason I would never knowingly put myself in a situation where I could be pulled away suddenly by a strong current. It’s an unfortunate incident and my condolences to the victims’ relatives and friends.

      • Jay
        June 18, 2013

        Your analogy makes no sense. If we follow your reasoning logically these poor people should have been in a boat.

  24. Observer
    June 17, 2013

    Connie Chung, were they informed? If so how soon after the incident?

    I hate the blaming game. Are the coast guards super heroes?

    Dominicans it’s about time that we stop making/writing such irrelevant comments so openly for the world to see and hear. Stop it!

    • Truth Seeker
      June 17, 2013

      Ditto, Observer. Everyday, no matter the event/news, Dominicans take the opportunity to showcase their ignorance. This is becoming more than exhausting!

  25. van
    June 17, 2013

    Do these Chinese nationals have right to fish in the river? If so do they not know that the mouth of the river is dangerous, especially after heaving rain?

    The dad gentleman was 60 years old. Is he part of the Chinese workforce? For him to be permitted stay in Dominica he would have to prove he can support himself – no. Just curious as to how the law operates when it comes to Chinese nationals.

    Still death is death and therefore sad

  26. vexness
    June 17, 2013

    But is not hunting season…d fish get vex

  27. ?
    June 17, 2013

    Do you always have to find someone or something to blame? Blame d river nuh.

  28. pussy
    June 17, 2013

    :-| If it was drugs the would come

  29. June 17, 2013

    That river is the most treacherous place right now. The constant rainfall and ever shifting sands make it even more so. The water is forever murky,and one never knows the true depth of the river. My sincerest condolences to the family.

    • I love my people
      June 17, 2013

      So people should stay away from it.

      My condolences to all affected.

      • sense.......
        June 17, 2013

        noooo…..pll should learn to swim.

  30. v
    June 17, 2013

    oh sorry i thought is another death. i only now realise is an update.

    • I love my people
      June 17, 2013

      I though so too dont worry

  31. v
    June 17, 2013

    de layou river have aligator man. what heppening nuh

  32. :p
    June 17, 2013

    layou mourns. he was a good man. alas

    • lovemyisland
      June 17, 2013

      Residing in Goodwill! so how Layou mourning?

      • CHARMER
        June 17, 2013

        Duh, it happened in Layou, wouldn’t you be sad something like this happened in your village?

  33. Anonymous
    June 17, 2013

    :(

  34. Yup
    June 17, 2013

    How sad. Condolences go out to the family of the deceased.

  35. .
    June 17, 2013

    :cry:

  36. Connie Chung
    June 17, 2013

    I was there last night and there were 4 Chinese men fishing when 2 of them got in trouble. The villagers were able to pull one out, but unfortunately he died at the health center. The villages got boats and flashlights and searched for the other man, but never found him. Alas I stayed there for about two hours and the coast guard NEVER showed up. Hats of to the people of Layou. Those who performed CPR, those who jumped in the water, those who drove the victim to the healthcenter, those who brought flashlights, and those who comforted the survivors. One question everyone had, where was the coast guard? The villagers used their own boats to search for victim # 2 without luck. May their souls RIP!

    • gel boucheri
      June 17, 2013

      sorry to say but once drugs not involved you don’t see the police

    • Faceup
      June 17, 2013

      You should have told the coast guard, that there was a boat with drugs on the water, they would have come quick. But this is sad, so sorry !

      • one stone
        June 17, 2013

        no you only had to tell the coast gaurds that chinese were in troule and not dominicans and they would have come :wink:

    • Maggot
      June 17, 2013

      If it was a marijuana call they would have made it in quick time!But its human life, the police don’t care!

      To God be the glory.

      May their souls rest in peace!

    • justsaying
      June 17, 2013

      Just a question was the coast guard informed of the incident?

    • lon
      June 17, 2013

      Where was the coast guard?

    • Tijhan
      June 17, 2013

      is this a matter for the coast guard? I don’t suppose they are life guards? I would have thought that coast guards deal with immigration and drug control. I don’t suppose life guard is the top priority for a cash-strapped nation. How much would it cost to buy and maintain a vessel as well as keeping it manned? how often are they likely to be called out?

  37. Pondera
    June 17, 2013

    My sympathies to the family. I would advise that there be special warning notes regarding use of the Layou River. Those who don’t know take the river mouth for granted. While it appears easy going, there is a strong under current that will drift you to the sea in quick time.

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