Fijian man’s body still missing after river tragedy in Australia
His body has yet to be recovered.
Thursday 07 November 2024 | 01:00
From left; Mere Dawai and Loata Marawa (Varo’s mother) holding the photo of Kamenieli Varo (inset) at Navakai in Nadi.
Mereleki Nai
Kamenieli Varo, a father of five, may be the latest drowning victim in New South Wales after he allegedly drowned in the Murrumbidgee River, near Yanco, on Sunday.
According to NSW Police, they received a call at about 5.15pm on Sunday, November 3, reporting that a 32-year-old man was missing in the Murrumbidgee River. Emergency services were called to Middle Beach, Yanco, following the reports.
“Officers attached to Murrumbidgee Police District – with the assistance of NSW Ambulance, SES and the Volunteer Rescue Association – conducted an extensive search but were unsuccessful in locating the man,” the NSW Police statement said.
Related stories
The search was suspended about 8pm due to darkness and dangerous river conditions.
Search resumed on Monday.
His body has yet to be recovered.
The Murrumbidgee River, a major tributary of the Murray River within the Murray-Darling Basin, is the second-longest river in Australia.
It is believed the strong current swept Mr Varo under the water, and despite efforts from his friends, they were unable to save him.
Mr Varo had moved to Australia in 2022 under the National Employment Centre (NEC) Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme for a four-year contract, which he was due to complete next year.
Four of his children are still in primary school. He is from Navoci Village in Nadi, and his family lives in Navakai.
His wife, Mere Dawai said the last time they spoke was on Sunday.
“He told us that he was going for a picnic with friends and when they return, he would call us again. We didn’t know it was the last time that we would hear his voice,” a tearful Ms Dawai said yesterday.
“During that conversation, he was telling the children that he was excited and couldn’t wait to come and spend Christmas with us. He would call daily to speak to the children.
“He told me that he wants to surprise us before Christmas, and he is just counting the days.”
Ms Dawai said her husband planned that after his four years in Australia, he would build a house for them.
“It is so painful to lose a husband who is caring and a kind-hearted person. He wants to help everyone who asks him for help. We miss him,” Ms Dawai said.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj
