Sea claims Rabi diver

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIMES ONLINE
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

THE sea claimed another life after a diver from Rabi Island drowned at the weekend.

Police said they are concerned that drowning statistics have doubled compared to last year.

Toaea Meneia, 23 of Buakonikai Village went out spear diving early last Friday.

Spokesman Atu Sokomuri said the deceased was out with another villager Maretino Tiko.

"They left early and his friend returned to the village a few hours later saying that he would follow," Mr Sokomuri said.

Villagers searched the seas near the village the next morning after Mr Meneia failed to return home that night.

"They found his body on a reef and a post mortem examination confirmed that he drowned," he said.

"We are concerned because statistics have doubled and it is something that we must not ignore," Sokomuri said.

"Most of these drowning incidents happened out at sea and is sad to note that most of them are children," he added.

"Caution must be stepped up and more care must be shown otherwise these figures will keep increasing," he said.

***Our Deepest Sympathy to Toaea's family - from Stacey & Ken at Banaban Voice***