Missing fibreglass boat located, no survivors reported

Search efforts continued today after a missing fibreglass boat was found semi-submerged south of Vunaniu Bay, with no survivors reported.

In a statement, the Republic of Fiji Navy said a mariner from Beach House, Vunaniu Bay, located a semi-submerged fibreglass boat just south of the bay.

The Navy confirmed the vessel was the one reported missing and said families had been updated on the development.

“Sadly, no survivors were found with the vessel,” the statement said.

Search efforts, which began on Thursday last week, have now shifted to recovery operations due to the time elapsed and the condition of the vessel.

For today’s operations, Northern Air’s fixed-wing aircraft DQ-NAS covered the designated search area, while Joyce Aviation’s rotary-wing aircraft DQ-MED also assisted.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this difficult time,” the statement said.