A family in Nadroga is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Sakenasa Rakaira, who drowned in the waters off Muka Village last week. The 26-year-old construction worker went diving for fish after returning from work on Thursday, a decision that ultimately led to a heartbreaking accident.
According to his uncle, Sakiusa Koroicivi, Rakaira’s body was swept away by strong currents shortly after he entered the water, likely after a struggle to escape the force of the waves. Despite extensive search efforts, his body was not recovered until Saturday afternoon, having been missing since Thursday night.
Rakaira is survived by two young children, ages three and four, and had a home in the village. His uncle described him as a diligent worker whose loss is profoundly felt within the family and community. Following a postmortem, they received guidance from the police to conduct his funeral on the same day.
Divisional Police Commander West, Senior Superintendent of Police Iakobo Vaisewa, verified the incident, explaining that Rakaira had dived for fish with a friend who had advised him to stay in shallower waters due to lack of proper equipment. When the friend looked back, he saw Rakaira being carried away by the current but was unable to reach him in time to provide assistance.
This tragic incident adds to the alarming statistics, as the drowning death toll in the region has reached 53 this year, which is two more than the same period last year.
In light of this tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by strong currents, especially for inexperienced divers. While the loss is immense for Rakaira’s family and friends, their community can find strength in coming together to support each other through this difficult time, honoring his memory by promoting water safety awareness to prevent future tragedies.
Overall, while the news is undoubtedly heartbreaking, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on safety measures and the importance of looking out for one another, particularly in potentially hazardous environments.
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