Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, tragically may be the latest drowning victim in New South Wales after he reportedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday. According to NSW Police, they were alerted around 5:15 PM on November 3 that a 32-year-old man had gone missing in the river, prompting an urgent response from emergency services at Middle Beach, Yanco.
The Murrumbidgee Police District, with help from NSW Ambulance, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Volunteer Rescue Association, conducted a thorough search for Mr. Varo but could not locate him before operations were paused around 8 PM due to darkness and the hazardous river conditions. The search resumed the following day, but his body has yet to be recovered.
Reports indicate that Mr. Varo may have been swept under by the river’s strong current, and despite the brave attempts of his friends to rescue him, they were unable to succeed. Originally from Navoci Village in Nadi, Mr. Varo had moved to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, with plans to complete a four-year contract next year.
Mr. Varo is survived by his wife, Mere Dawai, who shared the heartbreaking details of their last conversation. She recounted how he had been excited about spending Christmas with his family and planned to surprise them before the holiday. “He was counting the days,” she said, recalling his deep care for their children and his aspiration to build a house for them once his contract ended.
Ms. Dawai expressed the immense pain of losing her husband, describing him as a caring and kind-hearted person who was always willing to help others. The family’s tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that strong currents can pose in bodies of water, highlighting the importance of safety precautions during recreational activities.
As they face this difficult time, the community can rally around the Varo family, offering support and love to help them heal and remember the joyful moments shared with Mr. Varo.
In summary, Kamenieli Varo’s story reflects not only the tragedy of his loss but also the love and dreams he had for his family, reminding us of the strength and resilience of those left behind.
Leave a comment