A 2-year-old boy from Nayau in Lau, who is alleged to have been kicked and stomped by a horse, was retrieved last night by personnel from the Fiji Navy and the Health Ministry.
The two organisation joined forces overnight for the dangerous operation.
The Ministry of Health says Dr Tui Lasike and Dr Mika Lutumailagi were deployed to retrieve the boy, who was on board the RFNS Savenaca.
The Ministry says, recognising that the child’s suspected fractures made transport by open boat in heavy swells far too hazardous, the specialised surgical team worked closely with maritime security forces to deploy a larger and more stable naval vessel.
The medical team departed at 8pm last night and was scheduled to arrive in Nayau today.
The Ministry activated the urgent deployment after severe weather and exceptionally rough seas initially prevented smaller fibreglass boats from travelling between Nayau and Lakeba Island.
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, who has been personally tracking the case, praised the swift and coordinated deployment, describing it as a powerful demonstration of humanity and national unity.
The Ministry has expressed its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the vital maritime retrieval mission.
Dr Lalabalavu says seeing medical personnel, naval officers and community members join forces overnight to navigate the challenging waters demonstrates the true spirit of the country.
He says that from the local nursing station staff to the specialists travelling aboard the RFNS Savenaca, everyone has worked seamlessly to ensure the boy receives the advanced care he needs.
The Minister says they are profoundly grateful for the dedication shown by all parties involved.
While monitoring the team’s journey to Suva, Dr Lalabalavu has also issued an urgent plea to parents and guardians across Fiji to maintain the highest levels of vigilance when supervising young children.
He says toddlers are incredibly vulnerable and often unaware of the dangers around them, particularly in environments with large animals or heavy agricultural equipment.
He says tragic accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and it is vital that parents and communities maintain strict and continuous supervision of young children to protect them from harm.
The Ministry says further updates on the toddler’s medical assessment will be provided following his arrival and admission to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
