Kamenieli Varo, a devoted father of five, has tragically become a likely drowning victim in New South Wales after an incident in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday, November 3. The New South Wales Police received an alert at approximately 5:15 PM regarding the disappearance of a 32-year-old man in the river, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Search efforts were led by officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District in collaboration with NSW Ambulance, SES, and the Volunteer Rescue Association. Despite their exhaustive search efforts, which extended into the evening, the search was unfortunately called off around 8 PM due to deteriorating visibility and hazardous river conditions.
Authorities resumed the search at daylight on Monday, but Mr. Varo’s body has yet to be recovered. Witnesses believe he may have been swept under the current, and attempts by friends to save him were unsuccessful.
Mr. Varo, who emigrated to Australia in 2022 through the National Employment Centre’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, was nearing the end of a four-year work contract. His family, including his four primary school-aged children, resides in Navoci Village in Nadi. Heartbreakingly, the last conversation his wife, Mere Dawai, had with him was on the day of the incident; he was excitedly sharing his plans for an upcoming picnic with friends and looking forward to Christmas celebrations with his family.
Ms. Dawai expressed tremendous sorrow, reflecting on her husband’s caring nature and desire to provide for his family. She shared that he was looking forward to surprising them upon his return, and he had ambitions to build a house for them after completing his contract.
This heart-wrenching tragedy serves as a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the profound impact of loss on loved ones. As the search for Mr. Varo continues, many hope for a resolution that allows his family to find closure during this incredibly challenging time. It is a moment for the community to come together in support of those grieving, highlighting the bonds of family and friendship that endure even in the face of adversity.
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