A police sergeant drowned when his boat capsized during an illegal fishing bust.
The cop was with three colleagues who managed to save themselves during the night raid.
However, Sergeant Vinícius de Assis Botelho, 38, was dragged away by the currents and remained missing for three days.
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He was taking part in an illegal fishing bust when tragedy struck at Funil Hydropower Plant near Perdões, located northwest of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
The four environmental police officers were preparing to arrest two illegal fishermen when their vessel capsized.
It took place in the early hours of 11 July, but the victim’s body remained missing until Sunday (14 Jul) morning.
The corpse was found about 1.2 miles from where the boat overturned.
The authorities said in a statement: “The Military Police of Minas Gerais (PMMG) announces and deeply regrets that the body of a military police officer, who drowned during a patrol to curb predatory fishing in the Funil Dam region, was found on Sunday morning.”
They added that they are providing “all necessary assistance to the family”.
It is not yet known what caused the police boat to capsize and sink.
The vessel was found at a depth of around 20 feet (6 metres).
An investigation into the sergeant’s untimely passing is ongoing.
His funeral took place at the São João Batista Cemetery at 3.30pm yesterday (15 July), as reported on Need To Know.
The victim leaves behind a wife and two children.
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