A heartbreaking incident has shocked the community of Nadi, as a 16-year-old student from Ratu Navula College lost his life in a tragic drowning while swimming with friends. Malakai Tubea drowned in the Narewa River on Thursday morning, just days before school was set to resume.
The tragedy unfolded around 10:30 AM when Malakai attempted to cross the river while his friends were already on the opposite bank. Eyewitness Philip Samo recounted the scene, noting that Malakai struggled against the strong current exacerbated by high tide conditions. “He reached the middle of the river and it was high tide,” Samo explained, mentioning that the depth of the water and its swift flow made the crossing perilous. Malakai reportedly suffered from muscle cramps and shouted for help, but his initial calls were misinterpreted as a joke, which delayed assistance from those nearby.
Despite the efforts of bystanders, including a relative who bravely attempted to reach him, Malakai was swept away. A search was initiated, and tragically, his body was discovered around 1:30 PM. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Nadi Hospital. The police have inaugurated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Malakai had been living with his aunt in Qeleloa after the loss of his father, making the incident even more devastating for his family and the community. This unfortunate event not only underscores the critical importance of water safety but also highlights the need for vigilance, especially during hazardous conditions.
The community gathers in grief over the loss of a promising young life, with many extending their support to Malakai’s family during this challenging time. As they mourn together, they hope to honor his memory by advocating for safety measures that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.