A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon during a fishing trip off the coast near Lautoka, resulting in the death of one man and the disappearance of three others, including a seven-year-old boy. Basant Singh, the boat’s owner, was later found deceased in the waters, as confirmed by police authorities.
Survivor Abdul Ashif Hakh recounted that they set sail from Saweni Beach around 2:30 PM towards Cakaulevu, a popular fishing location near Vio Island. Initially, the weather conditions appeared calm; however, circumstances changed abruptly late in the evening. At approximately 7:30 PM, severe weather struck, forcing them to abandon their fiberglass boat. “We all jumped into the water before the boat went down,” Mr. Hakh stated.
As chaos ensued, Mr. Hakh managed to throw a life jacket to his young nephew, Arshad Irfan Khan, just before they became separated in the turbulent waters. After hours of swimming, Mr. Hakh was able to reach a shallow reef where he still could not hear or locate the others. He eventually flagged down help from a passing boat, which rescued him.
Later, Mr. Hakh reported the incident at Lautoka Police Station, and search efforts for the missing group commenced immediately. “Some fishing boats went out to search multiple times last night, and today they spent the entire day searching. I am praying to God that we find them alive,” he lamented.
Authorities continue to conduct intensive search operations at Covuli Reef, involving local water patrol teams and family members of the missing individuals. Police confirmed the boat capsized due to adverse weather conditions, reiterating the urgency of finding the remaining three, who have not been located.
This unfortunate event is part of a concerning trend in recent days, marked by increased incidents at sea. The authorities have been urging the community to remain vigilant, particularly with the cyclone season approaching, as safety measures become even more critical. Community support has been evident in the ongoing search efforts, as local families are rallying together to provide assistance in this time of need.
While the situation is undeniably somber, the hope remains for a positive resolution as search and rescue operations continue, showcasing the resilience and solidarity of the community. Such tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with marine activities, reinforcing the importance of safety precautions to prevent future incidents.
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