17-Year-Old Schoolboy Drowns At Grand Lagoon, Mayaro — Massive Search Underway For Body

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UPDATE 2: St. Stephen’s College issued the following statement on the tragic drowning of Gabriel Nelson: 

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of our students, Gabriel Nelson.

He was a commendation student who showed great promise, particularly in Mathematics and Information Technology. He approached his studies with focus and quiet determination, and his potential was evident to all who taught him. 

Beyond the classroom, he had a deep love for basketball, a sport that brought him great joy and allowed his energy, commitment, and team spirit to shine. 

Just last Wednesday, 4 February, he proudly represented St. Stephen’s College in a basketball match against Fyzabad Secondary, contributing to a memorable 35–17 victory. It is a moment his teammates, coaches, and school community will forever hold close to our hearts.

His passing is a tremendous loss to our school community.

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his mother, as well as to his friends, teachers, classmates, and all who knew and loved him. 

We keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.

May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in peace.

#SursumCorda”


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UPDATE: According to the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by Captain Vallence Rambharat, the body of Gabriel Nelson was recovered by Mayaro fishermen around 2:10 PM this afternoon (Tuesday 10th February, 2026), while searching, using a fishing pirogue. 

The HSRT added, “On behalf of Hunters Search and Rescue Team, led by Captain Vallence Rambharat, we extend our commiserations to his family, friends and loved ones. SLEEP IN ETERNAL PEACE GABRIEL. GOD'S BLESSINGS BROTHER.”

A search is currently underway for the body of a teenager who is believed to have drowned in Mayaro on Sunday afternoon (8th February, 2026). The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Gabriel Nelson of George Village, Tableland — a Form Five student of St. Stephen's College. He is said to have been pulled underwater by a rip current while bathing at Grand Lagoon.

According to reports, Gabriel left home around 12:00 PM on Sunday with his mother, stepfather, Roberto Steeling, 13-year-old brother, Michael and 20-year-old cousin, Nicholas Sinanan. The family arrived at the beach in Grand Lagoon, around 2:00 PM, and the boys went swimming, approximately fifty (50) feet from shore. However, around 4:00 PM, they got into difficulties in the water. Nelson‘s stepfather intervened and assisted in rescuing Nelson‘s brother and cousin. Nelson, however, could not be found.

While the mother sat on the sand, her younger son told her they had been in chest-high water when Nelson disappeared underwater.

Police were notified and requested assistance from the Coast Guard base at Galeota Point, but were reportedly told that their vehicle had mechanical problems and no vessel was available.

Members of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team (HSRT), led by Captain Vallence Rambharat, Police Officers from the Mayaro Police Station, local villagers, and fisherfolk co-ordinated and launched a search to locate Nelson, without success.

Chairman of the Mayaro/Guayaguayare Regional Corporation, Raymond Cozier and Councillor for Mayaro South/Guayaguayare, Delaverne Louison provided the family, including children, who slept at the beach overnight, with a tent, blankets, and food. 

Searches are ongoing to locate Nelson’s body.

More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: T&T Guardian]

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