Fishing trip ends in tragedy for Wailevu family

What was meant to be a short family fishing trip ended in tragedy when a 19-year-old slipped into the Wailevu River and did not resurface, leaving his mother struggling to comprehend her son’s final moments.

Anshu Mala said her son, Avik Avinesh Chand, was fishing alongside family members on Sunday afternoon when he slipped into a deeper section of the river and became submerged.

“He was holding on to his uncle’s shirt, but he could not hold on for long,” Ms Mala said, fighting back tears.

The incident occurred at about 2pm. Ms Mala said the family searched desperately, believing Avik might still be alive, but were unable to find him.

“When I close my eyes, I still see his face. I haven’t slept since Sunday,” she said.

“Sometimes it feels like he is still alive. This feels like a bad dream.”

Ms Mala said the family had stopped briefly at the river before returning home to Wailevu. She said it was the first such incident in the six years the family had been fishing there.

Avik, who was still learning to swim, was using a fishing net when he stepped into deeper water.

The 41-year-old mother of three said losing her son had devastated the family, not only emotionally but financially, as he was an important income earner.

“He was obedient, caring and always happy. He was our hope,” she said.

Family members searched throughout the night and into the following day, calling out his name, but received no response.

Relatives, friends and neighbours gathered at the family’s home as word of the tragedy spread, with a funeral shed erected as the community came together to support the grieving family.

In a statement released yesterday, Police confirmed the drowning and said search efforts led to the recovery of Avik’s body.

Authorities said the incident was believed to be the latest drowning case recorded in the country.