THE family of a young man who drowned claims that three police officers failed to save him from strong currents in a river at Saweni in Lautoka.

The body of Ratu Jope Sigaruarua, 23, who was missing since Tuesday afternoon, was found in a mangrove swamp yesterday.

His uncle Ratu Isoa Tikoca expressed the family’s anger over claims by witnesses that police officers stood by while the 23-year-old called for help.

“They feel terrible,” he said.

“Ratu Jope’s father, Sergeant Peni Qumu, is a retired police officer who served with the police force for more than 20 years and he was clearly disappointed by the actions of the officers.

“The policemen did not rescue his son when he was calling out for help even though he was only 20 metres away from where they were standing,” he claimed.

“They could not jump into the water to get him out. The police was the outstanding missing link in this whole operation.

Ratu Isoa said during the search, the lone police officer who was guiding them throughout the search was exhausted.

Ratu Isoa said there was also a delay in transporting the body to Lautoka Hospital yesterday.

“When we had finally located the body, it took two hours for the police truck to arrive despite being warned not to be late to recover the body.”

He said the family was grateful to their community for helping in the three-day search.

“The search was held mostly by the community members and we had very little police presence. There was enormous support from the staff of First Landing Resort.

“They provided boats and food and water for those who were part of the search party.

“This was an amazing contribution from our community and from the First Landing Resort management and staff.”

Ratu Isoa hopes police will look into their complaint.

“This has left a very negative impression on the police by the family.

“The area had a heavy police presence that day because they had in fact been searching for a criminal who had escaped their custody. Their hunt for that criminal was more important than the guy who was actually calling out for their help.”

Fiji Police Force chief of operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu confirmed an investigation would be carried out.

“We can assure the family that we will be looking into their claims and we do sympathise with their loss and will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted,” he said.