Students Rescue Woman Swept Away by Currents
A31-year-old woman from Vunikawai Settlement in Colo-i-Suva is thankful to three Under-18 rugby players from Lelean Memorial School for saving her from certain death on Saturday.
Sia Kinilovo was swept away while swimming at a river near Colo-i-Suva Village with three others.
She was rescued from the culvert and suffered scratches and an injury to her arm.
Ms Kinilovo has been living in the area for more than 20 years and had gone for a swim when strong currents swept her away.
“This is the first time it has happened to me. After the incident I think I will not go back to that place because it brings me bad memories,” she said.
“The river is not deep, but because of the rain the current was very strong. When the current was taking me, I was afraid.
“Thoughts about whether I lived or died came to my mind. I tried to grab onto anything, but it kept slipping away.
“There came a time when I was so tired. I kept swallowing mouthfuls of river water. I kept thinking once I reached the end of the river it would determine whether I lived or died.
“I was at a point where I didn’t know what to do when I was drinking the river water. I tried my best not to faint because I knew I had to try and not give up.
“If it wasn’t for those boys I would not be here today. I thank them for saving me because I still have a lot of dreams to fulfill.”
She was thankful that she never gave up, even when she was faced with danger.
“When the current was taking me one of the three people I went with ran to where the current was not strong. By the time he arrived I was already rescued by the three young boys,” Ms Kinilovo said.
“When I was rescued, I couldn’t move because my whole body was paining. I was then taken to the hospital by a Police officer and then dropped at home.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said, “In light of the unfavourable weather we urge members of the public to take all the necessary safety precautions to avoid injury and loss of life.
“We commend the efforts of the students and, thankfully, there was no loss of life.”
Edited by Epineri Vula
I was at a point where I didn’t know what to do when I was drinking the river water. I tried my best not to faint because I knew I had to try and not give up Sia Kinilovo Rescued women