I have to save him.

That was the only thought in Viliame Sauduadua’s mind when he saw his neighbour and friend jump off the Rewa Bridge on Saturday morning.

Mr Sauduadua was trailing a few cars behind when he saw Ronald Prasad, 30, park the bus he was driving on Rewa Bridge and plunge into the waters below on Saturday morning.

He had known Mr Prasad for five years because his was a familiar name in the Vusuya community, a man with a big heart who was always helping others

“I immediately knew something was wrong, I ran out of my car all the way down to the river bank to save Ronald’s life,” Mr Sauduadua said.

“I was yelling out his name while I swam to him in a bid to try and save his life because I saw him slowly go under,” he said.

He added that as he swam closer to Mr Prasad, he could see blood coming out of his mouth.

“I think it took me nearly 15 minutes to pull him safely to dry ground. He was heavy and I could feel myself getting weak,” he recalled.

“Once on land, I applied CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). He was unconscious and not responding.”

It took almost another 15 minutes of first aid before any sign of life was seen in Mr Prasad’s motionless body.

Mr Sauduadua said Mr Prasad’s only words to him were: “I have had enough of life.”

Mr Sauduadua, who hails from Malabi, Wainibuka, Tailevu, said Police officers from the Nausori Police Station arrived at the scene after the rescue and transported Mr Prasad to the Nausori Health Centre.

Mr Prasad’s older sister Shivani Prasad said they were grateful to Mr Sauduadua. She said his heroic act had saved her brother’s life.

“It could have been a different story if it wasn’t for Vili risking his life to save my brother. For that we are so grateful.” Ms Prasad said.

Fiji Police Force in a statement said Mr Prasad was still recovering at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva while reasons for his actions would be determined once investigators were able to talk to him.

Edited by Shalveen Chand

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