“I wish it was all a dream”: Families cling to hope as fishermen remain missing

For the families of nine fishermen still missing at sea, the discovery of their empty boat has turned hope into heartbreak.

After days of searching, the Fiji Navy confirmed the men’s fibreglass boat was found on Tuesday, stuck on a reef near Vunaniu Bay in the Kadavu Passage. The vessel, fitted with a 60-horsepower engine, has been identified as the one used by the group.

But there was no sign of the men.

It has now been a week since they left on April 22 for what was meant to be a routine diving trip. They were due back the next day — but never returned.

Among those missing are Osea Vakaruru and his three sons, Sitiveni Tekivakatini, Mateo Tikoitoga, and Esekaia Boladuadua. Also missing are their cousins Lemeki Tikoitoga, Savenaca Sautini, Pita Tikoisuva, Maciu Niubalavu and Julian Tavola.

For families waiting at home, the discovery of the empty boat has been devastating.

Timaima Buadromo, wife of Pita Tikoisuva, is struggling to come to terms with the uncertainty.

“If this was a dream, I wish I could wake up now. I’m tired of hurting,” she said.

Miliakere Divada, wife of Osea Vakaruru and mother of their three sons, said the loss feels overwhelming.

“My three supports in this world are gone now,” she said. “I wish I could turn back time, just to see them once again.”

For Veronika Tabuakacivi, who is expecting her first child with Mateo Tikoitoga, the pain is mixed with uncertainty about the future.

“I wonder what story I will tell our child when the child ask about his/her father,” she said.

Search efforts are continuing, with authorities combing the area in the hope of finding the missing men.

The Fiji Navy confirmed a Northern Air fixed-wing aircraft, DQ-NAS, has been deployed over the search zone, while a Joyce Aviation helicopter, DQ-MED, is also assisting.

For now, families are left holding onto hope — and waiting for answers.