A New Zealand toddler has drowned after falling off her parents’ boat in Fiji.
The incident occurred in Musket Cove, on the west side of Fiji, on Friday, according to the New Zealand Herald.
A police spokesperson said the little girl, Mahina Toki, was believed to have been strapped into a harness on the deck watching a movie while her parents were cooking in the boat’s galley.
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When they went back to the deck, however, the 13-month-old child was gone.
She was later found in the water and could not be revived.
The family, from Great Barrier Island, are believed to be part of a New Zealand island cruising community.
A fundraiser was set up for Mahina’s parents Mark and Kiri by a member of the group.
Grace Palos wrote that the toddler was “a beautiful, happy, smiling child” who loved life on the boat.
“Her mother, Kiri, said she had eyes that looked into your soul from the day she was born,” Palos said.
“Mark and Kiri are in the process of picking up their lives and travelling back to their home of Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.”
More than $A16,000 has been raised so far.
A post on the Island Cruising NZ Facebook page said medical professionals “scrambled” to save the child.
“Paramedic, doctor, two nurses and a midwife as well as all the equipment, medication and oxygen that you would have in hospital,” the post read.
“Some of the rally participants who were in the area stepped up to help too. Sadly despite all of their best efforts she did not make it.
“Please cuddle your little (and big) sailors tonight and help us carry little Mahina home with all the love of the worldwide cruising community.”
Fijian Police are investigating the incident, according to the Herald.
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