Man recalls final moments before son’s tragic death
His 74-year-old father Sambhu Lal, was lost for words.
Friday 04 April 2025 | 13:06
From Left: Shiu Sharma, Sambhu Lal (dad), and Shalendra Sharma in Labasa on April 3, 2025. Photo: Shratika Naidu. (inset), deceased, Edward Lal.
A 55-year-old man, from Lagalaga, Labasa, is believed to be Northern Division’s first drowning victim this year.
Edward Lal was found dead by police officers, a few metres away from where his boat was berthed at Naseakula Creek in Labasa on Wednesday.
His 74-year-old father Sambhu Lal, was lost for words.
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“On Tuesday, around 8am, Edward made his lunch and left home for his boat to catch crabs and fish,” Mr Lal said.
“As usual he would return home before night, but that day he failed to do so.”
He then requested his relative and neighbour, Shiu Sharma to search for Edward since he was not answering his phone.
Mr Sharma contacted Labasa Police Station and summoned neighbours to search, but returned home late at night in vain.
“The boat, lunch, mobile phone and fishing net was placed as it was when we went the next morning to search,” Mr Sharma said.
“Then we contacted Labasa police requesting to search again and around 10.30am, we found him floating in the mangrove swamp with injuries on his face.”
He said the deceased was a well-known hard-working man selling crabs, fish and homemade pickles for a living.
Mr Lal broke into tears as he recounted how Edward, his eldest son, a bachelor had prepared $100 worth of pickles this week to sell.
“He always help people in the community and relatives whether it be cash or kind,” Mr Lal said.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed receiving a report of a missing person at Nasekula and attended it.
“Post mortem examination will be conducted as investigation continues,” Ms Naisoro said.
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