Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, tragically may have become the latest drowning victim in New South Wales. The 32-year-old allegedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday.
On November 3 at approximately 5:15 PM, New South Wales (NSW) Police received a report about a man missing in the river. Emergency services were dispatched to Middle Beach, Yanco, where officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District, alongside NSW Ambulance, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Volunteer Rescue Association, initiated a comprehensive search. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, they could not locate Mr. Varo, and the search had to be suspended around 8 PM due to darkness and unsafe river conditions.
The search resumed on Monday, although Mr. Varo’s body has not yet been recovered. Witnesses believe that a strong current swept him under the water, making it impossible for his friends to rescue him at the time.
Originally from Navoci Village in Nadi, Fiji, Mr. Varo moved to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme for a four-year contract, which he was set to complete next year. His wife, Mere Dawai, shared that during their last conversation, Mr. Varo expressed his excitement about spending Christmas with the family. He regularly called home, telling their children he was looking forward to surprising them before the holidays.
In an emotional tribute, Ms. Dawai described her husband as caring and kind-hearted, stating, “It is so painful to lose a husband who wants to help everyone who asks him for help. We miss him.” The family had dreams of building a home together after his time in Australia.
While this tragic event is heartbreaking for the family and the community, it highlights the importance of water safety, especially in areas with strong currents. Local authorities continue to search for Mr. Varo, and we hope for his swift recovery to provide closure for his grieving family.
In summary, Kamenieli Varo’s disappearance underscores the risks associated with enjoying nature and the cherished moments of family life. The community supports his family during this difficult time, and we hope positive outcomes arise from search efforts.
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