Authorities have confirmed the recovery of the body of former national netball coach Unaisi Rokoura from the Rewa River. Her remains were discovered near the Waila dredging plant after she went missing while diving for freshwater mussels on Saturday. Tragically, another woman, aged 34, who was with Rokoura during the incident, was found the previous day.
The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths. This unfortunate incident has brought attention to the dangers associated with natural water bodies, a topic even more pressing following recent drowning incidents in Fiji. The strong currents in local rivers pose significant risks, leading to calls for enhanced public awareness regarding water safety.
Reports highlighting similar situations have underscored the critical need for educational initiatives aimed at informing the community about safe practices for water activities. This is especially important for children and inexperienced swimmers. The difficulties encountered during the recovery operations for both Rokoura and the other victim underline the inherent dangers present in local waterways.
As the local community comes together to support the grieving families, there is a hopeful sentiment that these tragic events will lead to improved safety measures and heightened awareness surrounding water safety. The community is united in the hope of fostering an environment that prioritizes safety around water, ultimately working to prevent further tragedies in the future.