Kamenieli Varo, a father of five from Navoci Village in Nadi, has reportedly become the latest victim of drowning in New South Wales after he allegedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco on Sunday, November 3.
NSW Police were alerted around 5:15 PM about a missing 32-year-old man in the river, prompting an immediate response from emergency services at Middle Beach, Yanco. Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District, along with NSW Ambulance, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Volunteer Rescue Association, launched a thorough search effort but were unable to locate Mr. Varo before darkness fell and dangerous river conditions forced them to suspend the search at approximately 8 PM.
Following the suspension, the search resumed on Monday, but as of now, his body has yet to be recovered. Reports suggest that the strong current may have swept Mr. Varo underwater, despite attempts from friends to assist him.
In addition to his tragic disappearance, Mr. Varo’s story touches on his recent move to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. He was nearing the end of a four-year contract, due to conclude in the coming year. His family remains back in Fiji, where his wife, Mere Dawai, reflected tearfully on their last conversation. She recounted how he was looking forward to spending Christmas with them and had plans to surprise his family before the holidays.
Ms. Dawai expressed the deep pain of losing a loving and generous husband, describing him as someone who cared for others and was deeply involved in his children’s lives. “We miss him,” she lamented, highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on their family.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with natural waterways and the importance of safety precautions. It is hoped that search efforts will soon lead to a resolution for Mr. Varo’s family, bringing some closure in this extremely challenging time.
Let us all remember the importance of cherishing family moments and prioritizing safety while enjoying outdoor activities.
Leave a comment