24 Dec 2007

Ousted Fiji minister Draunidalo dies in boating accident

1:49 pm on 24 December 2007

The SDL party in Fiji has expressed shock at the drowning of an ousted Minister in the Qarase government.

Savenaca Draunidalo died in a boating accident on Saturday afternoon in Lau.

Fiji Live says the party's national director, Peceli Kinivuwai, described Mr Draunidalo as a vital member and key component of the SDL, even though he had entered the political arena as an independent.

Police say Mr Draunidalo went fishing with two relatives and hit his head when the open fibre boat capsized due to strong winds.