Kamenieli Varo, a father of five from Fiji, may have tragically drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco, New South Wales, on Sunday. According to the New South Wales Police, authorities received a report around 5:15 PM on November 3, indicating that the 32-year-old man was missing in the river. Emergency services were promptly dispatched to Middle Beach, Yanco, to conduct a search operation.
Police, along with NSW Ambulance, SES, and the Volunteer Rescue Association, undertook an extensive search for Mr. Varo, but their efforts did not yield any results. The search was suspended around 8 PM due to darkness and hazardous river conditions, but resumed on Monday. Unfortunately, Mr. Varo’s body has not yet been located.
It is believed that a strong current in the river swept Mr. Varo underwater, and attempts by his friends to assist him were unsuccessful. Mr. Varo had relocated to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, with plans to complete his four-year contract next year. He is survived by his wife, Mere Dawai, and their four children, who are still in primary school.
In an emotional statement, Ms. Dawai revealed that she had spoken to her husband shortly before his disappearance. He had mentioned he was going on a picnic with friends and expressed excitement about returning home for Christmas. The family had been looking forward to this holiday together, and Ms. Dawai shared her heartbreak over losing a caring and kind husband who was dedicated to helping others.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers that waterways can pose, and it serves as a somber reminder for individuals to exercise caution when engaging in recreational activities near rivers and lakes. Additionally, community support for Ms. Dawai and her children can help provide comfort in this difficult time, underscoring the importance of community ties and solidarity during times of loss.
As the search continues, there is hope that Mr. Varo will be brought home to his family, allowing them to find some measure of closure.
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