The Tui Macuata – Ratu Aisea Katonivere has passed away.

Ratu Aisea was on a fishing trip yesterday with two others when his boat started taking in water and capsized.

FBC News this afternoon spoke to Ratu Peni Vulaca – one of the survivors from the incident.

Still emotional from the ordeal, Ratu Peni described how he and the Tui Macuata started swimming to shore after the boat capsized.

Ratu Peni says he tried to help Ratu Aisea for as long as he could.

Naduri villager, William Foster who was part of the rescue team says the people of Naduri and the whole of Macuata are still in shock.

Ratu Aisea’s body has been taken to the Labasa Hospital while traditional leaders are meeting to decide the funeral arrangements.