Families fear worst for missing fishermen

Fear is mounting for the families of nine fishermen missing at sea since Wednesday, April 22, with no contact made and no confirmed sightings.

The group left Vatuwaqa, Suva, around 2pm for what was meant to be a routine fishing trip, and were expected to return the following day. Days later, there has been no word on their whereabouts.

Missing are Osea Vakaruru and his three sons, Sitiveni Tekivakatini, Mateo Tikoitoga, and Esekaia Boladuadua. The other five are cousins Lemeki Tikoitoga, Savenaca Sautini, Pita Tikoisuva, Maciu Niubalavu, and Julian Tavola.

They were travelling in a fibreglass boat powered by a 60-horsepower engine. Their last known location is believed to be near Solo Lighthouse, north of Kadavu.

For the families, the wait is becoming unbearable.

Iosefo Baleinatuvu, 60, father of Savenaca Sautini, said the trip was routine.

“On Wednesday, I saw him packing his fishing gear. He told me, ‘I’ll be back tomorrow’,” he said.

That promise remains unfulfilled.

The family relies on fishing for income, earning about $150 on a good trip, and believes weather conditions may have played a role.

“The conditions the next day were not good. Maybe that affected their return,” he said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed there has been no contact with the group. The Republic of Fiji Navy has deployed a patrol vessel to assist in the search.

Communities across Kadavu, Beqa and the Coral Coast have been urged to remain alert and report any sightings or information to village heads, police or local authorities.

Search efforts are continuing.