“Tai Jim” loved the Sea
A54-year-old man of Yalobi, Waya, Yasawa, who was fond of the sea, is believed to have drowned during a fishing expedition off the Yadua waters on Monday afternoon.
The body of Timoci Sayaba was found by villagers a few metres away from where he went fishing, confirmed Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro.
She said the victim was speardiving when he told a fellow villager that he was taking the lead back to shore.
“However, a few minutes later his body was found floating, and he was rushed to the Sigatoka Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” Ms Naisoro said. She confirmed that a post-mortem examination would be conducted to find out the cause of death.
A relative, Tavaita Tanoa, 62, who resides with the victim said Timoci was better known in the village and his workplace (Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa) as ‘Tai Jim’.
“He has called Yadua Village his home for the last 22 years. He loved the sea so much that when he returns from his job, he would take his juice bottle and spend all his days’ in the sea, either for a swim, fishing or feeling the ocean breeze,” Ms Tanoa said.
“He did not smoke nor drink yaqona, he does not mingle much in the village, but stays home alone. He loved to have children by his side.”
Mrs Tanoa recounted having breakfast that morning was the last time they had shared a meal together. “He would knock-off and end up in the sea or at the beach but that morning he had breakfast with us which was rather unusual for us,” she said.
“We will miss him, but surely we will cherish those memories we had.”
Meanwhile, the relatives of the victim have been notified and awaiting post-mortem examination result to decide on the funeral arrangements.