Man Sacrifices Life To Save 3-Year-Old Grandson At Sea
“They held onto each other and when the old man passed out, Akuila still held on to him until his family came to rescue them,” he said.
Sunday 15 August 2021 | 09:47
A heroic act by Nomeni Nagusuivalu led to the survival of his three-year-old grandson, while out at sea near Naboro Village in the Yasawa Group on Thursday.
Unfortunately, Mr Nagusuivalu, 59, lost his life.
Natawa Village, Turaga Ni Koro, Sisa Naibale, revealed the shocking news about the last daring act his late uncle showed, to the Fiji Sun yesterday.
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Late Mr Nagusuivalu and grandson, Akuila Davu were on their way to the plantation at Wayalailai Island to collect firewood.
They were about 20 metres from the mainland, when their canoe was believed to have capsized.
Mr Naibale said the incident was around 9am between Naikawakawa Beach and Naboro Village.
“The sea was rough when their boat capsized,” he said.
“The old man tried to save Akuila, he kept him afloat.”
He said a group of villagers, who were also returning from collecting firewood, saw them and helped.
“They held onto each other and when the old man passed out, Akuila still held on to him until his family came to rescue them,” he said.
“By the time they arrived the old man was slowly drifting away.
“They tried to revive him upon reaching the beach but it was all in vain.”
The family of Mr Nagusuivalu will wait for the results of his post-mortem examination before arranging his burial.
Police said he was rushed to the Lautoka Hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
Investigations continue.
Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu
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