Off-duty security guard saves young tourist from drowning

What began as a dream family holiday in Fiji almost ended in tragedy for an American family last Thursday on the Coral Coast.

But fortunately, an off-duty security officer risked everything to prevent this, when he saved a young man from drowning.

Tourist Abraham Durrant, from the United States of America, was enjoying his first holiday in Fiji with his family, including his two sons, Adrik and Atticus, when a relaxing afternoon at the beach near Vatukarasa Village turned near disastrous.

Esala Tavuto, the security manager at Naviti Resort and an employee of Shield Protection Services, made all the difference in the event’s outcome.

He was returning home to Vatukarasa Village after work when he noticed the family entering the water despite dangerous sea conditions.

“The spot is not safe for swimming,” he told this masthead yesterday.

“Children from our own village hardly swim there. I have seen guests washed away in this area before.”

Moments later, he saw young Atticus struggling against the powerful swells, desperately waving for help after being swept away by the rough seas.

Without a second thought, Mr Tavuto grabbed a large piece of driftwood for flotation and plunged into the water.

Still dressed in his work uniform, wearing sandals and with his mobile phone in his pocket, he battled the strong waves before reaching the frightened boy.

He rescued Atticus and pulled him safely back to shore and immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, as his distraught father and family watched helplessly.

Within moments, the boy regained consciousness and coughed out large amounts of seawater.

Race to hospital

Mr Tavuto drove the family in their rental vehicle to Sigatoka Hospital, about 20 minutes away, using the vehicle’s hazard lights.

On arrival, fellow security officers rushed in to assist, bringing a wheelchair to rush Atticus into the emergency department. Thirty minutes later, doctors delivered the good news that Atticus would recover. Mr Tavuto then drove the grateful family back to their resort.

‘He saved my child’

“Esala helped us without question. If he had not been there, my child could have been lost,” an emotional Mr Durrant said.

“He did everything to make sure we were safe.

“We thank God that he was nearby at the beach.

“It would have ruined our two-week vacation — our first time in Fiji. Bless Esala, his family, his village, Fijians, and Fiji.”

Despite losing his mobile phone and personal belongings to seawater during the rescue, Mr Tavuto said he wanted nothing in return.

“I told them we should only thank Almighty God for His protection and love,” he said.

“I asked for nothing in return. God will reward me for saving that child’s life.”

Bravery award

His employer, Shield Protection Services, has announced the company would award Mr Tavuto one of the company’s highest honours — the Medal for Bravery — and replace his damaged phone and uniform.

“Esala’s actions embody everything we stand for at Shield Protection Services,” the company said.

“His courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting others, even while off duty and at personal cost, set the standard for every officer in our organisation.”

Mr Tavuto’s heroic actions highlighted the importance of vigilance and quick action in protecting visitors to Fiji, the company said.

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lawrence Kumar praised Mr Tavuto’s act of bravery.

“This is a great gesture by the gentleman, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible people,” he said.

“Perhaps the State should award him a bravery medal.”