Volotu’s Family To Hold His Memorial On Christmas
The late Mr Volotu was with six other villagers returning from uprooting yaqona plants in their farms, in preparation for the cyclone, said village headman, Tomasi Senibiau.
Tuesday 22 December 2020 | 17:15
The family of missing, Sione Volotu, will hold his memorial service on Christmas Day.
The 24-year-old from Nawailevu, Lekutu, Bua, is said to be the lone missing person after Cyclone Yasa raged through parts of the North last Thursday.
Village headman Tomasi Senibiau relates the moments:
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The late Mr Volotu was with six other villagers returning from uprooting yaqona plants in their farms, in preparation for the cyclone, said village headman, Tomasi Senibiau.
The farm is an uphill climb with rivers and streams to cross. The distance between the farm and the village is about two hours on foot.
A few went by foot while some rode on their horse. Upon his return, Mr Volotu had his uprooted yaqona secured on his horse.
When it was time to cross the river, all of them assisted each other but it was Mr Volotu who was the last that made it challenging for them.
By this time, Mr Senibiau said that the river had burst its banks and the winds were fast picking up speed.
At around 8.30pm they heard him calling. Mr Volotu first took off his gumboots and threw it across the river which they caught hold of. But shouted across for him to wait for the water to subside.
Their voices were drowned by the strong winds and it is believed that Mr Volotu crossed the river because he was afraid to be alone.
That was the last they saw of him.
The next morning, the horse was found stuck in the mud with a bag full of freshly uprooted yaqona roots not far from it.
The search party thought that the trees had fallen over Sione, but he was not found under the trees.
The search was extended from Lekutu to Baravi and Navai Settlement to Bolaniniu.
It is understood that the search party will end tomorrow.
Family
Sione’s parents, father Josateki Nautora, mother, Tarusila Ranadi and family are hopeful to find more information of their missing son.
They said he loved playing rugby and always wished to play the position of half back one day for the national team.
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