Grieving families say Coral Coast needs dedicated rescue unit

Two grieving families are calling for a permanently based search and rescue team on the Coral Coast, saying delays in emergency response may have cost lives after two recent drowning tragedies.

The calls follow the alleged drowning of William Bennion, 68, after his boat capsized off Yadua in Nadroga on July 11, and the disappearance of 20-year-old Alifereti Vunakece in strong currents while snorkelling off Naevuevu on July 10.

William Bennion's sister, Emmaline Bennion, said emergency responders took too long to arrive.

"They had to call the Police, and it took quite a while for them to arrive. By the time they got there, he had already died," Ms Bennion said.

She said the area had claimed several lives over the years and urged authorities to equip coastal communities with rescue boats and lifesaving training.

"If communities could receive lifesaving training or have a rescue boat available, it could help save lives if something like this happens again in the future," she said.

Family of 20-year-old Alifereti Vunakece, grandmother Alena Vunakece, brother Moses Vunakece, and mother Kelera Senioli.

Photo: Katherine Naidu

Alifereti Vunakece's mother, Kelera Senioli, said her family was repeatedly told search efforts would continue after the initial operation was suspended because of darkness and dangerous sea conditions.

"We stayed there until dark, but no boat came and nobody came for the rescue," Ms Senioli said.

"We are still trying to find a search team, trying to find someone who can continue searching for my son."

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu acknowledged the families' concerns but said Police resources remained stretched.

"I understand where the families are coming from. I can state that we cannot be present everywhere," Mr Tudravu said.

"Whilst we would like to have the presence everywhere, we are limited in our manpower and the capabilities that we have."

He urged parents and guardians to ensure children were supervised around the sea and not allowed into the water alone if they could not swim.

The two tragedies have renewed calls for a dedicated search and rescue unit on the Coral Coast to improve emergency response times in one of Fiji's busiest coastal regions.