In yet another swimming related tragedy affecting the Nepali community in Australia, a 32 year old man has lost his life at sea.
Police retrieved the body of Amit Sonar, a beloved community member, from Wattamolla Beach, NSW on Tuesday afternoon. The victim’s wife had filed a missing person’s report on Sunday. NSW Police then launched a search operation around the area.
Condolence messages are being shared amongst community members of Australia – many have expressed shock and disbelief after hearing the news. Mr. Sonar, who was an active football player, is being remembered as a loving and happy personality. Besides playing football, Mr. Sonar was also an avid photographer, we learn.
Mr. Sonar’s wife, who is based in Tasmania has arrived in Sydney. Community members, especially players and supporters of Granville FC and St. George Friends FC are sharing messages of request to help the family by providing financial assistance towards the repatriation of Mr. Sonar’s body back home to Nepal.
Anyone wishing to help can directly transfer the funds to:
Anu Joshi
BSB: 062 161
Account Number: 1037 9026
This is the fourth swimming related tragedy to affect the Nepali community within 2020 itself – on 2nd January, a 27 year old man drowned in Lake Canobolas, Orange, and on 3rd January, two young Nepali students drowned in the Hornsby River.
Similarly, during the summer of Dec, 2018 to February, 2019, four Nepalis lost their lives in Australian waters. The rising amount of deaths owing to water related tragedies have caught the attention of several community organisations. NRNA Australia has organised camps pertaining to safe swimming habits, several community members including Keshav Kandel, President of Australia has urged the community to be safe while swimming.
