Kamenieli Varo, a devoted father of five, has tragically been reported missing after an incident in the Murrumbidgee River near Yanco, New South Wales. Authorities received a call around 5:15 PM on November 3, notifying them that a 32-year-old man was unaccounted for. Emergency services quickly responded to the scene at Middle Beach, where a search was initiated.
NSW Police, along with NSW Ambulance, the SES, and the Volunteer Rescue Association, conducted a thorough search for Varo. Unfortunately, their efforts did not yield results, and the search was suspended at approximately 8 PM due to darkness and hazardous river conditions. A renewed search effort resumed the following day, but as of now, his body has not been recovered.
The circumstances surrounding the incident suggest that a strong current may have overwhelmed Varo, despite attempts to rescue him by friends present during the outing. Originally from Navoci Village in Nadi, Fiji, Varo relocated to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. He was on a four-year work contract, set to conclude next year.
His wife, Mere Dawai, shared the heart-wrenching details of their final conversation. She recounted how he expressed excitement about the day ahead, mentioning plans for a picnic with friends and anticipation for Christmas. She reminisced about his eagerness to surprise their family upon his return and described him as a kind-hearted individual who always sought to help others.
This situation highlights the devastating impact of sudden loss on families and communities. While the search continues, the hope for a miracle remains, and all thoughts are with Mr. Varo’s family during this challenging time. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety around waterways and the unpredictable nature of powerful currents.
Despite the sadness of such a tragedy, Kamenieli Varo’s memory will likely inspire his loved ones to continue cherishing the moments they shared and the plans they had for their future. The love and connection within his family demonstrate the profound bonds that exist, transcending even such heart-wrenching circumstances.
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