Police have described the rescue of a six-year-old girl as a miracle after she clung to a coffin box whilst being stranded at sea for almost three hours.
Police say the little girl was travelling with her mother and others conveying the body of a 55-year-old man, when their boat capsized between Karoko and Rabi Island at around 8.30pm last night.
They say while some managed to swim ashore and others were rescued by those travelling in a second boat, the little girl was unaccounted for.
Police further say a officer residing in Karoko Village led the search for the little girl with the help of villagers, while other officers based at the Tukavesi Police Station joined the search efforts later.
They add when they found the capsized boat which was stuck on a reef, they found the little girl clinging on to the coffin.
She was rushed to the Tukavesi Health Centre where she received treatment and was sent home.
The body of the 55-year-old man was recovered and conveyed to Rabi Island yesterday morning where he was laid to rest.
Officers who were part of the search said it was fortunate that no life was lost and say the little girl’s bravery will never be forgotten.
Investigations will also look into the safety aspects of the incident.
