THE body of a missing nine year old boy was found washed ashore at Hammock beach, West of Honiara, Monday morning.
This was confirmed on Monday by the Guadalcanal Provincial Police Commander Mostyn Mangau.
The boy was believed to have been accompanied by her grandmother during the trip to Hammock beach on Sunday.
“The information that we have established was that, the small boy was accompanied by his grandmother to the beach and join other kids for a swim by the beach before he went missing,” Mr Mangau said.
Mr Mangau said, the police was alerted at about 5:30pm on Sunday evening and a joint search was conducted by family members, relatives and the Police.
“My officers went down to the beach to join the search with the family members until 12 midnight on Sunday night but to no avail,” he said.
Search resumed yesterday morning where the body was found lying on the beach, Commander Mangau added.
He said, according to the grandmother, the deceased was swimming with other children of his same size.
The grandmother only realised the boy was missing when his friends returned from the beach without him, it was revealed.
That’s when the search was launched.
Mr Mangau said, it was very sad incident.
He reminded parents and guardians to always be on the watch when their kids are swimming by the beach.
“We know the sea condition was not stable at the moment so please look after your children while they are on the beach or rather stay out when you see the sea condition not favourable,” he added.
The deceased’s body was taken home by his parent and relatives after being retrieved from the beach.
A resident at the area told the Solomon star yesterday the sea condition was not favourable throughout last week.
“We have seen high swells breaking at the shores and its dangerous for swimming especially for children who won’t be able to with stand the strength of the wave if it pulls them back into the sea.”
Guadalcanal police said, they will continue with their investigation into the case to determine the actual cause.
By LESLEY SANGA