12 Year Old Suva Primary School Student Is Latest Drowning Victim
A Year 8 student of Suva Primary School is believed to be the latest drowning victim this year.
12-year-old Joana Mele Vuetaki is alleged to have drowned while accompanying her father to their village of Tavualevu. It is believed that on Saturday afternoon she accompanied friends as they went for a swim in the Nasiriti River, where the alleged incident occurred. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said Joana was last seen diving off a tree and into the river and when she failed to surface a search was conducted and she was found minutes later.
Ms Naisoro added that Joana was rushed to the Tavua Hospital and attempts made to revive her were unsuccessful. A post-mortem examination will be held to find out the cause of death. The drowning toll currently stands at five, compared with seven for the same period last year. Family members declined to comment.
Edited by Epineri Vula
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
