Dad’s Fishing Trip For Sunday Meal Turns Tragic

The body of a 76-year-old father of three was recovered yesterday near where his kayak had capsized on Saturday.

Waisake Loaloadravu of Tuatua Village in Koro had left before midday Saturday to catch fish for Sunday lunch.

His nephew Marika Radrodro speaking from Tuatua yesterday, said his uncle had left home around 10 am.

He failed to return home on the same day.

“It was a normal morning just like any other Saturday, we went to the farm and my uncle had gone fishing for the family’s Sunday lunch,” Mr Radrodro said.

“We went our separate ways, but when we had returned, we were told that my uncle was still not back from fishing,” he said.

“It was nearing nightfall and we had reported the matter to Police so we organised a joint effort with them to go out and assist in the search.

“At 1 am Police requested that we take a break because it was dark and cold;  it was hard to continue that night.”

Mr Radrodro said search continued yesterday morning until his body was recovered close to where his kayak was found capsized.

“It was around 8.45 am yesterday when we saw the kayak capsized and his body close by.”

His body was then conveyed to the Koro Health Centre at Nasau Village. He described the late Mr Loaloadravu as a man who made endless sacrifices for his family.

“We will miss him a lot and his fatherly advice, especially being a role model to youth of this village.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said a post mortem examination would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death as investigations continue. Mr Loaloadravu is survived by his wife and children.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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