A one-year-old boy drowned in a river in Malawai, Gau on Saturday afternoon.

The victim's mother noticed the child missing from their home and upon searching, found him floating in a nearby river.

He was rushed to the Nacavanadi Nursing Station where attempts to revive him proved futile.

Police investigations continue.

The drowning toll currently stands at 33 compared to 40 for the same period last year.