13-Month-Old Toddler Drowns After Working Free from Harness on Catamaran

A 13-month-old toddler named Māhina Toki drowned after working free from a harness on a catamaran while her parents cooked dinner in Fiji. The incident happened on Friday, July 29, 2023, at Musket Cove in western Fiji.

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Mark and Kiri Toki with their daughter Māhina in an undated photo from the donation page on Give A Little. (Give A Little)

Māhina's parents, Mark and Kiri Toki, had strapped her into a harness on the deck of the boat and were watching a movie while they cooked dinner in the galley. When they came back to the deck, Māhina was gone. They searched the boat and the surrounding area, but they could not find her.

A few hours later, Māhina's body was found floating in the sea. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said that Māhina had worked free from the harness and fallen into the water. They are still investigating the incident, but they believe that Māhina drowned.

The Toki family is devastated by the loss of their daughter. They have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for her funeral expenses.

This incident is a reminder of the dangers of leaving children unattended near water. Even if children are strapped into a harness, they can still work free and fall into the water. It is important to always supervise children when they are near water, and to never leave them alone.

If you are ever in a situation where a child has fallen into the water, it is important to act quickly. Call 911 immediately and start CPR if the child is not breathing. With quick action, you can save a life.

Tips for Safely Supervising Children Near Water

• Always supervise children when they are near water, even if they are strapped into a harness.
• Never leave children alone near water, even for a few minutes.
• Teach children how to swim and how to stay safe in the water.
• Install safety rails around pools and other bodies of water.
• Keep children's toys out of the water.
• Be aware of the dangers of rip currents and other hazards.

If a Child Falls into the Water

• Call 911 immediately.
• Start CPR if the child is not breathing.
• If the child is breathing, keep them warm and calm.
• Do not give the child anything to eat or drink.

By following these tips, you can help to keep children safe near water.