TWO families are grieving after their daughters drowned in a river at Deepwater Settlement in Korovou while diving for fresh water mussels.
The bodies of 15-year-old Ahanasel Jeet and an 18-year-old believed to be Anshika Prasad were recovered by divers from the Police Mobile Force after the two girls were reported missing on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Ahanasel’s mother, 45-year-old Bavita Nand, said she was struggling to come to terms with the loss of her daughter, whom she described as kind, respectful and always willing to help around the house.
“She was a lovely daughter. I really miss her a lot,” Ms Nand said.
Ms Nand said Jeet was the third of her four children and had always enjoyed going to school and socialising with others.
“She has always been so kind. She always talk to people nicely.
“She loved going to school, she never misses her school and just loves socialising.”
Ms Nand recalled the events of Friday, saying Ahanasel had gone to a canteen to buy Panadol because she was not feeling well.
She said Jeet was with her cousin and her youngest daughter at the time, but they returned after finding the canteen closed.
Ms Nand said the girls later left the house after 10am.
It was not until her youngest daughter returned home that the family realised something was wrong.
“She was crying out to me saying the two girls went to the river and dove in the river and didn’t come up.”
The family then went to the river and called out for the girls, but there was no response.
Ms Nand said one of her relatives eventually advised the family to contact police.
The two girls were later found by Police Mobile Force divers.
“When they were found, I just couldn’t stop crying.”
Police said the girls had been reported missing after they failed to return from diving for fresh water mussels.
Post-mortem examinations will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
As the families mourn their daughters, Ms Nand said they are doing their best to cope with the loss.
