By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE body of 65-year-old Errol “Dooby” Tate was found deep in a mangrove swamp on Thursday, bringing a tragic end to a two-day search that began after the Sweeting’s Cay resident was reported missing.

Police found the body some 200 feet into the mangroves, after vultures were seen circling overhead. Officers had to cut through dense bush to retrieve the remains, which were later transported out on a kayak.

Mr Tate, known locally for collecting starfish and conch shells to sell to straw vendors in Freeport, had not been seen since Monday, July 14. His brother, Shervin Tate, chief councillor for Sweeting’s Cay, raised the alarm on Wednesday after checking on him over two days and finding his house empty.

A neighbour confirmed Errol hadn’t returned, prompting Mr Tate and residents to launch a search early Wednesday morning.

“We got everybody together and went walking through the bushes and where he was last seen walking his stick,” he said.

Police, alerted around midday, deployed drones, dogs, and divers in an extensive search. But it was only on Thursday, when vultures were spotted over thick bush near a home, that officers were led to the scene.

A drone could not penetrate the dense canopy, so officers proceeded on foot. An odour led them further into the swamp, where they found a body matching the description of Mr Tate’s missing brother.

“I heard when the officer say, ‘we think we got the person we looking for, we found him’,” said Mr Tate, who broke down at the scene.

Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle confirmed that Mr Tate had a history of mental illness and had recently suffered a mild stroke, leaving one side of his body weakened. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

Mr Tate described his brother as a quiet, single man known and loved in the Port Lucaya community.

“He was one of those entrepreneurs who would go out and get starfish and conch shells,” he said. “He was well-known to all the straw vendors in Port Lucaya.”

Mr Tate said the loss was especially painful as their family had only recently buried their parents.

“It is a big blow,” he said. “I just lost mum and dad. I was the one he looked up to because they are gone. I took his starfish to Freeport. I brought him groceries.”

He thanked both residents and police for their support.

“I must thank my people in Sweeting’s Cay. I will never forget how they stood with me and supported me through my tears,” he said.