Akld boy swept out to sea by tsunami

Published: 4:38AM Friday October 02, 2009 Source: NZPA

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

A two-year-old Auckland boy is missing and presumed dead after being swept away from his parents in the Samoan tsunami.

The child had been on a beach on Samoa's main island of Upolu when the 6m wave struck, Britain's Guardian newspaper reported.

His parents, who have yet to be named, swam to safety.

After being taken to hospital yesterday with minor injuries, the parents were discharged later and are staying at the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa.

The family were holidaying at a resort near the village of Lalomanu. Tsunami warnings were given, and the newspaper reported they were trying to escape to higher ground when the waves struck.

The father, believed to be in his 50s, was injured and taken to hospital in the Samoan capital.

The husband and wife, originally from Britain, now live in Auckland.

The New Zealand Red Cross has launched a Samoa Tsunami Relief project at givealittle.co.nz Oxfam NZ is also accepting donations online at www.oxfam.org.nz, by phone 0800 400 666, or you can make make an automatic $20 donation, please call 0900 600 20.

Anyone worried about the safety of non-New Zealand relatives in Samoa should contact the Samoan High Commission on 04 472 0953.

Share your stories or condolences following Samoa's tsunami on our messageboard ...

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Add a Comment:

Post new comment
  • jaxlino said on 2009-10-07 @ 14:15 NZDT: Report abusive post

    anyone from the Satitoa village?

  • markservian said on 2009-10-05 @ 21:05 NZDT: Report abusive post

    Tai Taufua is interviewed in this story... http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/church-comforts-many-in-samoa-3048401/video

  • Liviyj12 said on 2009-10-05 @ 19:30 NZDT: Report abusive post

    i feel sorry fot those who have been affected.... i also feel sorry for Vai. he has lost so much of his family..:(

  • Micksta said on 2009-10-05 @ 11:16 NZDT: Report abusive post

    My heart goes out to everyone who has lost family member/s in the earthquake and tsunami. I know what it would be like, as I was in Samoa as the earthquake struck and I read and saw the devastating effects of the tsunami that followed, both in newspapers and also for real. I would like to say that Nuu Black Sand Beach was hit my the tsunami and is in a bad state (Not that much of an attraction now).

  • PurpleOlive said on 2009-10-05 @ 09:04 NZDT: Report abusive post

    I am so sad for all who have lost family members. We are humbled by how quickly lives can be lost. Our hearts go out to each and every one of you and I cry tears for your sweet babies. Your pain is shared by our thoughts and may you find the strength within yourselves to carry on, xox

Latest NZ News Video

NZ News

Most Popular

  1. Schapelle Corby's release date confirmed
  2. Thirteen-year-old charged with taxi hold-up
  3. Cuts to education 'a drive back to the 50's' - principal watch
  4. Investigation uncovers immigrant exploitation watch
  5. Death threat at children's football game

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.