Widows of missing fishermen plead for support

Families left without breadwinners after a maritime tragedy are urging the Government to provide targeted assistance in the 2026-2027 National Budget, saying rising living costs have made it harder to rebuild their lives.

Their appeal comes ahead of the June 26 budget announcement, with many households hoping for measures to ease pressure from high food, fuel and household costs.

Nine fishermen from Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa, Suva, disappeared at sea after departing for waters near Kadavu on April 22.

Despite a search covering 20,000 square nautical miles, the active rescue operation was suspended after authorities recovered a partially submerged, empty boat.

The tragedy has left several widows struggling to pay for food, school expenses and other basic needs as they adjust to life without their family's primary breadwinner.

Many say support from relatives and churches has become their only lifeline.

Among them is Veronika Tabuakacivi, who is caring for a five-day-old baby following the loss of her husband.

Ms Tabuakacivi said she had no source of income and was uncertain how she would support her newborn child.

She said relatives, including her aunt, cousins and in-laws, had been helping the family with food, baby milk, nappies and clothing.

"We share whatever little we have in the house," she said.

"I am asking the Government to help us with food and basic needs because my husband, who was the sole breadwinner of our family, has passed away."

Miliakere Divadra said she was finding it increasingly difficult to meet household expenses and pay for the schooling needs of her three children.

She said the family had applied for social welfare assistance but had yet to receive a response.

Ms Divadra said support announced in the national budget would help families facing sudden hardship after losing their main source of income.

Timaima Buadromo said support from relatives and members of the Catholic Church at Raiwaqa Parish had helped her family through the difficult period.

However, she said making ends meet remained a daily struggle.

"With all the help that is given to me, I try my best to manage," Ms Buadromo said.

She said every dollar counted and that she could no longer afford to spend money on anything beyond basic necessities.

Ms Buadromo said targeted support in the upcoming budget would provide much-needed relief and help affected families rebuild their lives with dignity and security.