A TEENAGER’s hopes of reuniting with his classmates when school resumes next week were tragically cut short after he drowned in the Narewa River in Nadi on Thursday morning.
Malakai Tubea, 16, a Year 11 student of Ratu Navula College, was swimming with members of a church youth group when he was swept away by strong currents about 10.30am.
Witness Philip Samo said Malakai was attempting to cross the river behind two friends, who had already made it to the other side, when he ran into trouble.
“He reached the middle of the river and it was high tide,” Mr Samo said.
“The current there is very strong and the water is really deep.”
He said the teenager appeared to suffer muscle cramps and began calling out for help, but initial calls were mistaken for a joke. A relative attempted to swim to his aid but was unable to reach him in time.
A search was launched by those nearby and Malakai’s body was recovered from the river about 1.30pm.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was later transported to the Nadi Hospital.
Police confirmed the teenager was swimming with friends when the incident occurred.
He was pronounced dead at the hospital, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the drowning are continuing.
Malakai had been living with his aunt in Qeleloa, Nadi, following the death of his father.
