Good Friday turned into a tragedy for a mother of six of Vatuwaqa as she received the sad news that her eldest son, 22-year-old Tevita Waqa had lost his life in Vanua Levu.
When Fijivillage contacted Savaira Waqa today, she said when she returned home from church yesterday, her second son was waiting for her to convey the news that Waqa had died in Vanualevu.
Savaira said the last time she spoke to Tevita was on Thursday when he reminded her that his 23rd birthday is on the 8th of next month and he had kept some money aside for a celebration with the family.
Funeral preparations are now underway at their home in Vatuwaqa as they will await the body of the 22-year-old young man to arrive from Vanua Levu.
Meanwhile Police say the 22-year-old mariner is believed to have drowned yesterday.
The victim was a crew member of a Government vessel which was berthed at Galoa Bay in Bua yesterday.
The victim had allegedly jumped off the ship for a swim after a drinking party.
A few minutes later some of the crew members noticed the victim waving for help around 50 metres away from the ship and while they managed to rescue him attempts to revive him though were unsuccessful.
He was rushed to the Lekutu Health Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A post mortem will be conducted soon.
The drowning death toll stands at 20 compared to 19 for the same period last year.
Story by: Tokasa Rainima & Ronal Deo
