Kamenieli Varo, a 32-year-old father of five, is feared to be the latest drowning victim in New South Wales after a tragic incident on Sunday at the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco. NSW Police reported that they received a call around 5:15 PM regarding a man missing in the river, prompting emergency services to rush to Middle Beach, Yanco.
An extensive search was launched, involving officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District, NSW Ambulance, SES, and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Unfortunately, the search was suspended at around 8 PM due to darkness and dangerous river conditions without locating Mr. Varo. Search operations were resumed on Monday, and as of now, his body has not yet been recovered.
The circumstances around his disappearance suggest that a strong current may have swept Mr. Varo under the water, and despite attempts by his friends to assist him, they were unable to save him. Mr. Varo moved to Australia in 2022 through the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which allowed him a four-year contract set to conclude next year.
His wife, Mere Dawai, expressed her heartbreak, recalling their final conversation on Sunday before he went for a picnic with friends. “He was excited and couldn’t wait to come and spend Christmas with us,” she shared, adding how he aimed to surprise the family with his return and had plans to build a house for them after his contract ended.
This tragic event sheds light on the dangers of natural water bodies, reminding us of the importance of safety precautions when enjoying recreational activities. The emotional impact on Mr. Varo’s family is profound, highlighting the loss of not just a husband and father, but a kind-hearted individual who was dedicated to helping others.
In moments like these, communities often come together to support those affected, which may bring some solace to his grieving family. The hope remains that Mr. Varo’s body will be located soon, providing closure in this difficult situation.
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