A tragic incident in New South Wales has left a family devastated as Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, reportedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday. Authorities were alerted at approximately 5:15 PM on November 3 that a 32-year-old man was missing in the river. Emergency services, including the Murrumbidgee Police District, NSW Ambulance, SES, and Volunteer Rescue Association, launched an extensive search operation at Middle Beach, Yanco.
Despite their efforts, the search was suspended around 8 PM due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions in the river. As of Monday, the search resumed, but Mr. Varo’s body has yet to be found.
Preliminary reports suggest that a strong current may have swept him under the water, and attempts by friends to rescue him were unsuccessful. Mr. Varo emigrated to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, with plans to return to his family in Navoci Village, Nadi, after completing his four-year contract next year.
His wife, Mere Dawai, recalled their last conversation on Sunday, where Mr. Varo expressed his excitement about spending Christmas with their children. “He wanted to surprise us before Christmas and was counting the days,” she said tearfully, emphasizing her husband’s caring nature and the profound sense of loss felt by the family.
This incident highlights the heart-wrenching realities families face in the wake of such tragedies. While the search continues, many hope for a resolution that can at least bring closure to Mr. Varo’s grieving family.
As the community comes together to support the family, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in water activities, particularly in regions with strong currents.
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