David Beuch, 57, of Palatea Florida was pronounced dead around 10:40am Sunday upon arrival at the Rand Memorial Hospital trauma section.
Police reported that around 8:45am Sunday a group of 17 persons who were visiting Freeport on a seven day cruise aboard a 65-foot sailing sloop “Morning Star” started diving at Blair House Reef where the vessel was anchored.
After the group had been in the water for 30 minutes, Mr. Beuch surfaced and started swimming towards the vessel, according to police reports.
Police said when he was about 25 feet away from the vessel he ejected his respirator mouthpiece, threw his hands into the air, rolled over and began to sink. He was quickly pulled aboard the vessel, but was in an unconscious state, according to reports.
A Bahamas Air and Sea Rescue vessel then rushed Beuch to the Sir Jack Hayward Yacht Club, where he was then transfer by ambulance to the Rand, police said.
An autopsy is expected to be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Meanwhile, a man in Grand Bahama wanted in connection with allegedly having in his possession an unlicensed firearm with ammunition has turned himself into police.
Thirty-three-year-old Glen Rolle Jr, also known as Billy Rolle and Barefoot, turned himself into the Central Police Station in Freeport around 9:55am on Monday, police said.
His attorney, Pleasant Bridgewater, accompanied him, according to police. Police had issued an APB on Rolle last week. He was said to be assisting police in connection with that matter.
The Bahama Journal
