A tragic incident unfolded last week at the Suva Harbour, where a young man named Alifereti Radrodro, aged 28, lost his life while attempting to recover a drifting dinghy from the Lomaiviti Princess 8 vessel. His father, Sema Radrodro, expressed his grief and shared the profound impact of the loss, noting that Alifereti was not only the eldest of nine siblings but also a dedicated and kind-hearted individual who aspired to become an engineer in the shipping industry.
During the recovery efforts, police confirmed that Alifereti was swept away by powerful currents as he tried to swim towards the dinghy. Unfortunately, the search for his body was suspended on Saturday without any success. In an emotional interview from Serea Village in Naitasiri, Mr. Radrodro recalled the last conversation his son had with his mother, unaware that it would be their final exchange.
The family is hopeful for the recovery of Alifereti’s body, which will allow them to give him a proper farewell. Sema Radrodro shared that some of Alifereti’s cousins organized a search party to continue looking for him. A memorial service is planned for Friday, further emphasizing the family’s desire to honor his life and memory.
This situation highlights the profound grief that accompanies the sudden loss of a loved one, especially in unforeseen circumstances. The community’s response to help in the search efforts reflects the relationships Alifereti built throughout his life—his father affirmed he was well-liked and had a good heart.
As the family navigates this difficult time, there is hope that Alifereti will be found soon, allowing them to find some closure and remember the joy he brought into their lives.
In the face of tragedy, the love and support from family and community can be a powerful source of comfort.
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