BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A young man is said to be hospitalised, having almost drowned at the South East Peninsular earlier this week.
Information reaching this publication states that the 26-year-old Saddlers resident is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the JNF General Hospital.
A family member confirmed that the victim’s name is Justin French.
SKNVibes spoke with a friend of the young man who said that he, French and a group of friends were at Turtle Beach when the incident occurred.
The young man said that they were "liming and drinking", as was the norm in August of each year during the two-day holiday. He said they usually "camp out" at Turtle Beach for the two days.
"We were over at Turtle Beach liming and drinking either Monday or Tuesday morning, and then he [Justin] went in the water. After a couple minutes somebody realised something was wrong ’cause he was just there in the water and they run in and pull him out," the friend said.
When asked if French was intoxicated, he said that was a possibility.
Although unable to provide further details, the friend however informed this media house that the individual who rescued French appeared to be acting in the capacity of a lifeguard, as he had also saved a little boy's life sometime within those two days as well.
He said the child is about 10 years old and was in the water fighting for his life when the same individual ran in and pulled him out.
It is said that French is still hospitalised but his condition is unknown.
An update will be provided as details become available.