An outing of friends turned tragic after two brothers drowned in Lautoka.

Brothers, Shalvin Singh, Year 11 and Shivneel Singh, Year 12, both of Tilak High School accompanied by five other friends went for a picnic at the Dreketi Bridge in Vuda.

It is believed that Shivneel was trying to retrieve a ball from the deep water and when he struggled to surface, his brother Shalvin, rushed to help him. They both drowned in the process.

A student, Alesi Lui, who had also accompanied the brothers, said the group of friends had initially planned for a walk along the bridge but they later changed their mind to go for a swim at an inlet from the sea located near the bridge.

The two drowning victims, Shivneel Singh (left) and Shalvin Singh (right).

The Year 10 student also of Tilak High School said: “We were playing with the ball in the water and it went into the deep end when Shivneel swam to get it, he got stuck there and was calling out for help.

“This was when we knew something was wrong and we called Shalvin to help him, he dived into the water to save his brother but never came back up.”

Vuda residents and bystanders at the scene on September 18, 2020. Police Officers were also at the scene to recover the bodies of the brothers. Photo: Nicolette Chambers

Shivneel and Shalvin’s mother, Komal Lakshmi Singh said her boys left home yesterday morning for school around 7.30am.

Ms Singh, a single mother, said she later got a call from a woman telling her that her sons were sitting at the bridge with some friends.

Ms Singh only learnt that both her sons had allegedly drowned when she arrived at the scene.

“I don’t think they are still alive but I am hoping to find their bodies,” she cried out.

“They never spent a night without me, tonight will be the first and this is something I never expected as a mother.”

Their bodies were yet to be recovered by a team of Police Officers when this edition went to press last night.

Yesterday’s incident is exactly 11 days after two brothers drowned in a separate incident at Nasilai.

Police Spokesperson, Savaira Tabua said investigations continue.

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

Feedback: nicollete.chambers@fijisun.com.fj