'Kind-hearted' British soldier 'who was a friend to everyone' drowns in Estonia

06 September 2023 , 15:07

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Rifleman Israel Delanimati died in Estonia

A British soldier drowned in a river while off-duty in Estonia, an inquest has heard.

Rifleman Israel Delanimati died in the water at the Emajogi River near the southern city of Tartu on June 3, Southwark Coroner’s Court. Opening the inquest into the 24-year-old's death, assistant coroner Dr Julian Morris said that the soldier was seen entering the river in the early hours of the morning. Mr Delanimati, originally from Fiji, failed to return to a hotel he was staying in.

“He was, in the early hours of June 3 seen to enter a river in Estonia, near Tartu,” he said. “But sadly, his body was the recovered the following day, at 3pm on June 4.” Dr Morris said that there is currently “no knowledge” as to why the riflemen entered the river that morning.

He said that Delanimati’s cause of death was recorded by Estonian medical personnel as “asphyxiation caused by drowning”. However, he added that there were still some Estonian documents relating to the soldier’s death that required translation.

At the time of his death, Delanimati was deployed in Estonia as part of Operation Cabrit. His Battalion was part of around 900 British Army troops stationed in Estonia, where the UK maintains a leading role in a Nato deployment that includes French and Danish soldiers.

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Following his death tributes were paid to the serviceman by his colleagues. Lieutenant Colonel JM Barry, Commanding Officer 3 Rifles said: "Good humoured, kind-hearted, softly spoken but with an iron will, Rifleman Israel Delanimati was the personification of selfless commitment. Although still a young man, he had found the time to invest in deep passions for musicianship, martial arts, and cooking. We are honoured that he added soldiering to that list. Despite the individual nature of these pursuits he was the most collegiate of souls, a core member of our Fijian cohort and cherished part of his Platoon. All those that knew him speak about his irrepressible smile; a blast of Pacific sunshine to warm the bleakest of winter nights on a North European plain."

Rifleman 'Del' was loved by his fellow servicemen

Major CS Flood added: "Rifleman Delanimati only arrived in A Company last year, but had already left a huge impression on us all. He joined us just before an exercise in Germany and our deployment to Estonia; his excitement in the face of those new challenges – despite the freezing temperatures in January - was palpable. ‘Del’ was known for his ready smile which could seemingly brighten any room. He had time for anyone. I will remember him as a Rifleman of impeccable personal values; unrelentingly gracious and utterly determined to leave everyone at ease.

"Even at the hardest of times, when most would lack patience, Del could find a reason to grin. Simply, he was someone you wanted to be around and a Rifleman you always wanted on your team. A Company is stronger for having known Del and I am immensely proud to have served with him. Our thoughts are with Rifleman Delanimati’s family and the close-knit Fijian community he served alongside. Swift and Bold."

The Riflemen of 3 Platoon, A Company added: "Del was a friend to everyone. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was a man of many talents yet always humble. To 1 section, Del was a friend first and a rifleman second. We didn’t need a dictionary to understand the definition of selflessness after being in his presence. He would always help those around him even when he was struggling himself. He would share anything without a second thought.

"I remember many times when things got tough, I’d look over at Del and ask if he was okay, he’d never complain and would always have a smile on his face, no matter the adversities faced. As a section we’ve faced many tough times. All of which couldn’t defeat Del’s spirit and energy which was infectious and invigorating. Every Rifleman should take inspiration from the strength of his character. Del leaves affectionate and indelible memories that will stay with us the rest of our lives."

Kelly-Ann Mills