By Admin. Updated 1:46 p.m., Sunday, August 10, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The South Central Windward community of Diamonds is in mourning following the tragic death of one of its young residents, Ethanael “Junior” Montaque, who is believed to have drowned.
Past and present students of the North Union Secondary School, where Ethanael was a former pupil, are also mourning his loss.
Reports indicate that Ethanael went to Canash Beach, located in the South Coast area of East St. George, with friends to celebrate his 19th birthday on 9 August.
In the afternoon of that day, he was reported missing and feared drowned.
The beach was reportedly crowded on 9 August.
The only photograph available of Ethanael shows him seated on a beach chair beside a drink, a typical scene for someone celebrating their birthday by the sea.
One News SVG understands that Ethanael’s companions actively searched for him until the transport that brought them to the beach indicated its readiness to depart.
The SVG Coast Guard was notified and commenced a search for his body. After an extended search, they resumed their efforts on Sunday, 10 August.
One News SVG visited the beach today and was informed that the Coast Guard arrived just after 7:00 a.m. on Sunday to continue their search. Local residents were also reportedly assisting in the efforts.
The body was subsequently found floating very close to the shore.
Based on our observations during a visit to the beach, the body was discovered approximately 15 to 20 feet from where the sea swell breaks at the shore. The tide appeared low on Sunday morning and was reportedly low on 9 August as well.
It is expected that an autopsy will be conducted on the body to determine the exact cause of death.
This is a developing story, and we will provide further details as they become available from authoritative sources.
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