The body of Zahiir Muhammad Ruhomaun, a 17-year-old student who disappeared on Sunday afternoon at the 500 Feet Waterfall in Alexandra Falls, was recovered by members of the Mauritius Police Task Force (MPTF) shortly before noon on Monday 14 March. The young resident of Quinze Cantons, Vacoas was trapped by the sudden rise in water levels following the heavy rains. The teenager had gone hiking there with two of his cousins and a friend.
It was around 2pm on Sunday 13 March that the alert was given that the four hikers were in difficulty. Immediately, the rescue operation was set up under the supervision of Assistant Superintendent of Police Satyadev Callychurn. Police officers from the Chemin Grenier Police Station, GIPM and Mauritius Fire and Rescue Services attended the scene. Logistical support from the police helicopter was also requested. The three other young people who managed to cling to a rock were rescued by the GIPM. They are two residents of Medine Camp de Masque, a 21-year-old bricklayer and an 18-year-old shop clerk at Bagatelle Mall, and a 19-year-old resident of Quinze Cantons. They were taken to Victoria Hospital in Candos for treatment.
The anguish was palpable on the afternoon of Sunday 13 March on the faces of the relatives of these hikers, who made the trip to Alexandra Falls. Some were even upset about the way the search operation was being carried out. As night fell, the search had to be called off on Sunday evening. The search resumed on Monday morning, March 14. The body of the teenager was found in a river.
The relatives of the teenager are devastated. They were still hoping to find him alive. His parents did not know they were going to Alexandra Falls. “Linn dir mwa li pe ale la plaz Tamarin,” said his father, Mazhal Ruhomaun.
The body of Zahiir Muhammad Ruhomaun was taken to the Candos Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
