A weekend fishing trip ended in tragedy after the body of a 19-year-old was found in the Wailevu River in Labasa yesterday afternoon, marking what police believe to be the country’s latest drowning death.
The body of Avick Avinesh Chand was discovered at around 2.30pm along the river.
It is believed the teenager was fishing along the riverbank with his father when he slipped, fell into the water and disappeared.
Police said the incident was reported to the Labasa Police Station over the weekend, triggering a search operation.
Police said search efforts were earlier suspended due to strong river currents and muddy water conditions, but resumed yesterday when conditions improved.
Authorities are treating the matter as a drowning. Police investigations are continuing.
