Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, is feared to be the latest drowning victim in New South Wales after allegedly drowning in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday.
New South Wales Police were alerted around 5:15 PM on Sunday, November 3, reporting that a 32-year-old man was missing in the river. Emergency services responded to the call and conducted an extensive search at Middle Beach, Yanco, but unfortunately could not locate Varo. The search efforts, involving police, NSW Ambulance, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Volunteer Rescue Association, were suspended around 8 PM due to the worsening conditions and darkness.
Search efforts resumed the following day, but Varo’s body has yet to be found. It is believed that a strong current swept him under the water, and despite the attempts of his friends, they were unable to save him.
Originally from Navoci Village in Nadi, Varo had moved to Australia in 2022 through the National Employment Centre’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, planning to complete a four-year contract next year. He had four children still in primary school, and his wife, Mere Dawai, shared the last conversation they had on Sunday, where he expressed excitement about spending Christmas with his family.
“I didn’t know it would be the last time I would hear his voice,” a tearful Ms. Dawai reflected. She recounted his plans to surprise the family before Christmas and the hope to build them a home upon completing his contract in Australia.
Ms. Dawai expressed the deep pain of losing her caring and kind-hearted husband, who was always willing to help others. “We miss him,” she said, highlighting the profound impact his loss has had on their family.
In times of tragedy, it’s important to remember the love and aspirations that individuals like Varo had for their families. His life and dreams continue to resonate through the stories shared by those who loved him, highlighting the sense of community and support during such difficult moments.
Summary: Kamenieli Varo, a father from Fiji, is feared drowned in the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales. Despite search efforts by emergency services, he remains missing. His wife shares heartbreakingly how he had been excited to return home for Christmas, highlighting the family’s deep sense of loss while also remembering his caring nature.
Leave a comment