Drown Victims Laid To Rest At Veiseisei In Lautoka

Drown victims Merelita Macaca, 67, and daughter Kinisimere Adibera, 47, were laid to rest at Viseisei in Vuda, Lautoka, yesterday.

Their families and friends gathered at the Natokawaqa Methodist Church to pay their last respects. The pair drowned after the boat they were travelling in on December 19 capsized on its journey to Lautoka from Yasawa.

The remaining seven passengers were rescued by fishermen in Lautoka.

They were travelling back from Marou Village on Naviti Island, where they had attended a function.

Sereima Macaca delivered a tearful eulogy for her mother and elder sister.

It was evident from the crowded church and countless people sitting outside that their loss was not only felt by the family but the community as a whole.

“Na (mum) was a strong woman and a woman with a noble spirit. She had a heart of acceptance, and many knew her as a happy woman, always humble and always smiling.

I know her loss is felt by everyone, but nothing happens by accident as the Lord has his plans,” she said.

She said the humility and lessons shared by her mother and sister’s dedication to looking after the family would be cherished.

Merelita is survived by her husband, three children, and four great-grandchildren, while Ms Adibera is survived by her husband.

The drowning death toll is 64 compared to 51 for the same period last year.

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