Dinghy tragedy: Miracle boy clings to Dad's twin

Two-year-old So'saia Paasi with his uncle. Photo / TV3

Little So'saia Junior Paasi was released from hospital just in time to attend the funerals of his father and brother.

The 2-year-old barely survived the boating tragedy on Manukau Harbour that claimed the lives of his dad So'saia Paasi and 7-year-old brother Tio.

They were buried at the Waikaraka Marae, Kaihu, in Northland, yesterday.

Mother Latu Paasi, fighting back the tears, said that her "miracle boy" had fully recovered from his ordeal.

"He's perfect, 100 per cent," Paasi told 3 News.

Paasi says that her son understands that his father has passed away. "At the church I think he saw us crying, and started crying too," she said.

When he came out of an induced coma at Starship Hospital, he saw his father's identical twin brother Toma and called out "Daddy".

He clings to his Uncle Toma now, reported 3 News.

So'saia spent 48 hours in intensive care after being plucked from the water by passerby Alan Godfrey.

The accident happened two weeks ago when the family dinghy capsized during a family outing near Mangere Bridge.

The family held several memorial services at the Sacred Heart Church in Ponsonby this week.

- Staff reporter