GREENVILLE, Sinoe – The bodies of two teens have been found along Portugal Beach in Greenville’s New Kru Town community.

The two children – a 14-year-old James Togba and a 17-year-old who has only been identified as William – are believed to have drowned at around 2 p.m. on February 14, amid a weekend holiday celebration. According to officers of the Liberia National Police, the children had been seen earlier on Sunday swimming in the ocean along with other children. Such activities are normal during national and public holidays.

Both of the deceased live in the New Kru Town community and are students of the Samuel Johnson Christopher Davies Elementary and Junior High School in Greenville.

A medical report attributed the death of the two men to drowning, and a coroner jury established by the police found no evidence of foul play after inspecting the corpses.

At the crime scene, Ishmael James identified himself as the older brother of William. James said he had left his brother home and went to church, only to later be informed about the news.

“To my surprise, I saw [a] few guys who came to call me while in service that William is missing in action as a result of drowning in the sea,” James explained.

Only six weeks ago, a 22-year-old man died after drowning in the ocean during New Year’s Day celebrations. He was found to have become drunk.

The back-to-back deaths from drownings have become a cause for concern among Greenville residents, as many say they want restrictions on beaches during holidays.

Featured photo by Teahwleh Geeplay