38 year old Josevata Toroca of Vatulele swam for four hours to shore with the body of 7 year old Alipate Kurimali, who had drowned when the boat they were on-board capsized yesterday.
While sharing his ordeal out at sea Toroca mentions how most had made it safely to a reef, when other passengers started to mention that the 7 year old was still missing.
Toroca said he swam back to look for him yet when he found Kurimali it was too late.
Toroca added that even though he was not able to rescue the boy in time he was determined to bring him back to shore.
According to Toroca the second victim a five month old baby died in the arms of one of the passengers while on the reef, as the tide was starting to come in.
The two children who were first cousins were buried yesterday at Taunovo, Vatulele.
The two children were also part of the 10 passengers on board a boat travelling from Vunaniu, Serua to Vatulele, that capsized yesterday due to strong winds.
Story by: Gwen Mc Goon and Aliki Bia
