Plans to celebrate baby’s first birthday turn to grief after river incident

Plans to celebrate their only son’s first birthday next month turned to tragedy after a young couple was swept away while crossing the swollen Navilawa River in Sabeto, Nadi last Sunday.

Police confirmed that the body of Tagiyaco Vakaloloma Buli, 30, was recovered following the incident. Her husband, Kaliova Selei, 33, remains missing as search efforts continue.

Authorities said the couple was attempting to cross the river when they were caught in strong currents. Ms Buli’s body was found a few metres from the crossing point.

The couple lived at the Agriculture Research Station staff quarters in Legalega. Ms Buli was employed at the station, while Mr Selei worked for Lion One Metals Limited in Sabeto.

Their nine-month-old son, whose first birthday they had planned to celebrate in April, is now being cared for by Selei’s family in Navilawa Village.

In happier days... Tagiyaco Vakaloloma Buli and her husband, Kaliova Selei.

Supplied

Ms Buli hailed from Nagatagata Village in Nadarivatu, while Mr Selei was from Navilawa Village.

Mr Selei’s cousin, Aseri Drikalu, described the couple as joyful, kind-hearted, and respected members of the community.

“They had spent Father’s Day at the village and were returning to Legalega when this happened," Mr Drikalu said.

"How could something like this happen to both of them? If only one had survived to take care of their child," he said.

"Now they are both gone. It is very painful for us to experience such a tragedy. We still cannot believe this has happened to such a young couple. We miss them."

Heavy rainfall over the weekend caused the river to flood, and police believe this contributed to the deadly currents.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine Ms Buli’s cause of death.

The community now mourns a young couple whose lives were cut tragically short, leaving behind a small child and a grieving family.