The lifeless body of a 63-year-old St. Thomas man was found Tuesday morning in the water by a commuter coming to work in a small vessel, close to the Coast Guard dock, the V.I. Police Department reported.
Colette Monroe from the Office of the Governor, along with USCG Special Agent Tom Swanson, who came to her aide, towed the body gently to the waterfront, according to a statement released Thursday by Monroe.
According to the VIPD, the 911 center received a call at 8:13 a.m. reporting that a body had been sighted in the water, and a member of the Coast Guard was already on the scene. The victim, wearing long brown pants, black sneakers and a orange tropical shirt, was examined by emergency medical technicians and found to have no vital signs.
Police identified the victim as Eral Frett. Next of kin has been notified.
Many Virgin Islanders know Eral Frett as the man who washed cars on Sunday outside of Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral.
When found, Frett was still firmly holding on to his bucket, one of his prized possessions.
The case is under investigation by the Major Crime Unit. Police urged anyone with information to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5569, or 340-714-9830, the 911 call center, or the anonymous tip service, Crimes Stoppers USVI, at 1-800-222-8477.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information.
