Chef Dies Under Unclear Circumstances During Eight-Day Fishing Trip Near English Caye

An 8-day fishing trip near English Caye has ended in tragedy, with the death of 36-year-old chef, Josimar Toledano, under strange circumstances. Toledano, a resident of San Roman Village, Corozal District, was part of a seven-man crew when his body was found floating in the water yesterday afternoon. According to fellow crew member, 23-year-old Aaron Ramundo, six of them had gone diving, leaving Toledano aboard the vessel to prepare meals. Whilst diving in the waters, they spotted the floating body on the surface, about 800 feet from the boat.  According to Ramundo, they retrieved him from the water and performed CPR, but Toledano showed no signs of life. ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that contrary to initial reports, there were no signs of suspected foul play. 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of National Crime Investigation Branch:  “We are awaiting a post mortem examination to determine his cause of death. He was employed as cook at the island. They are fishermen and they say they were diving for seafood.”

Reporter: And were the six persons on the boat were they detained ? 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of National Crime Investigation Branch: “No they were interviewed, they provided statements and we are carrying out an investigation. The body had no signs of physical injuries.” 

The crew returned to Belize City, where police met them and transported the body to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m.