BDF Soldier drowns in Mopan River

A Belize Defense Force soldier has drowned while attempting a river crossing. He is Private Adrian Coc. Belize Defence Force officials would not specifically speak about the incident but told News 5 that they do have a contingent stationed at Xunantunich and they are investigating the death. Police say Coc was along with four other soldiers on their way to the ancient Maya site but upon reaching the ferry crossing at Succotz they discovered the ferry was on the other side of the river. Reports are that Private Coc jumped into the water and began swimming towards the ferry when he reportedly went under and did not resurface. It was not until nine this morning that a search party retrieved the soldier’s lifeless body not far from where he was last seen. A post mortem is scheduled, but police do not suspect foul play.