Nine men remain missing at sea near Kadavu after failing to return from a short fishing trip last week, and families say each of the men was the sole breadwinner for their household. Rescue teams continue to scour the waters despite rough seas and poor weather, while relatives plead for answers and prayers.
The group included a father and his three sons: Osea Vakaruru, 56, and his children Sitiveni Takivakatini, 27, Mateo Tikoitoga, 24, and Esekaia Boladuadua, 20. Also reported missing are Savenaca Sokini, Lemeki Tikoitoga, 35, Pita, 35, Maciu Niubalavu, 29, and Julian Tavola, 23. Families say seven of the men were married with children and that another man is expecting his first child next month.
According to distraught wife and mother Miliakere Divadra, the group left home last Wednesday afternoon on what was planned to be an overnight fishing trip and were due back the following morning. The family raised the alarm after they did not return as expected. “I am also asking the people of Fiji to please keep my family and the men lost at sea in your prayers,” Mrs Divadra said, describing sleepless nights and the unbearable waiting.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe confirmed police received the missing persons report after families had waited 24 hours to lodge it. He said the police immediately coordinated with the Republic of Fiji Navy and the Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji, assessed weather conditions and sought naval assistance because the police do not have the capability to carry out open-sea searches on their own. “We had to seek assistance from the navy as police do not have the capabilities to search in the open sea, and aerial searches were conducted also,” he said.
Search operations remain active and are being led by the Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji with support from the Fiji Navy and police. Authorities say rough seas and poor weather around Kadavu have complicated efforts. No recoveries have been reported so far, and families continue to wait ashore for any news.
The disappearance highlights the immediate economic and social impacts on the small Kadavu community: with nine households now deprived of their primary income earners — and one family preparing for the birth of a child — relatives worry about both the emotional and financial fallout. The search for the men is the latest of several recent maritime incidents that have underscored the risks of small-boat operations in inclement conditions.
For now, the focus remains on continuing search operations and supporting the families. Authorities say they will press on with coordinated naval, aerial and police efforts as weather and sea conditions allow.