A 10-year-old boy is believed to be the country’s latest drowning victim.

The victim was diving for fresh water mussels near Nakavu Village in Nadi yesterday morning with another 12-year-old boy.

Police say the 12-year-old boy called for help and a 40-year-old farmer who was nearby managed to pull the victim to the river bank.

Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the Nadi Hospital.

The drowning toll currently stands at 42 compared to 26 for the same period last year.