Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, has tragically gone missing and is presumed drowned in the Murrumbidgee River, located near Yanco in New South Wales. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 3, when NSW Police received a report around 5:15 PM about a 32-year-old man unaccounted for in the river.
Emergency services, including the Murrumbidgee Police District, NSW Ambulance, the State Emergency Service (SES), and the Volunteer Rescue Association, promptly initiated a search operation at Middle Beach, Yanco. Unfortunately, their efforts to locate Mr. Varo were unsuccessful, leading to the suspension of the search at approximately 8 PM due to worsening visibility and hazardous river conditions. Search efforts resumed the following day, but his body has not yet been found.
Witnesses believe that the strong current of the river may have pulled Mr. Varo underwater despite attempts by his friends to rescue him. Varo, originally from Navoci Village in Nadi, migrated to Australia in 2022 as part of the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and was scheduled to complete a four-year contract next year. Four of his children are still in primary school, contributing to the family’s deep sense of loss.
His wife, Mere Dawai, expressed her grief, recalling their last conversation where Mr. Varo mentioned he was going for a picnic with friends and assured her he would call afterward. She shared the heartbreaking sentiment that they did not expect that would be the last time they would hear his voice. During their call, he expressed excitement about returning to his family for Christmas and even had plans to surprise them.
Dawai reflected on her husband’s caring nature, describing him as kind-hearted and always willing to help others. With plans to build a home for his family upon completing his contract, his absence is felt deeply by those he leaves behind.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of water safety. The community is coming together to support the family during this difficult time, showcasing resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.
Summary: Kamenieli Varo, a father of five from Fiji, is presumed drowned in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco, NSW. Despite extensive searches, his body has not yet been recovered. His family is devastated by the loss, highlighting the challenges faced by those working abroad to provide for their loved ones. The incident emphasizes the need for awareness and safety around water.
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