Two families of Nadi are grieving after losing their only sons in a drowning tragedy in the Carreras River yesterday afternoon.

Ravin Narayan, whose 16-year-old son Alvish drowned with his school mate Kartik Sen, said his son lost his life while trying to save his friend who did not know how to swim.

He said he gave his son permission to go swimming as he knew how to swim and usually went out with his friends.

Narayan said Alvish was his only son and he only has a daughter now who will be in Class 7 next year.

Narayan added last week that tropical cyclone Evan damaged parts of his house which can be repaired but the loss of his son is the worst tragedy.  

Meanwhile, father of 17-year-old Kartik, Kamal Sen, told Fijivillage that his son was always helpful to do household chores especially during sugarcane harvesting.

He said his son did not know how to swim and attempts were made by his friend Alvish and others to save him but was not successful.

He added he has three daughters, one will be attending Form 3 next year while two are still in primary school.

The tragic incident happened around 3.30pm yesterday where the two teenagers accompanied their friends for a picnic.

A post mortem is expected to be conducted soon.

The drowning toll now stands at 67 compared to 38 for the same period last year.
 

Story by: Ronal Deo