Rescued medical team in stable health condition after sea ordeal
The rescue brought to an end an intensive search after the outreach team failed to reach its destination.
Friday 31 July 2026 | 07:00
The Ministry also acknowledged the agencies and individuals involved in the successful rescue operation.
Six healthcare workers who went missing at sea in the Lau Group are in stable condition after being rescued by the crew of Goundar Shipping Services' Lomaiviti Princess 12, bringing an anxious nationwide search to a successful conclusion.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services confirmed the missing medical outreach team was located at about 7pm yesterday after an extensive search involving Government agencies, emergency responders, local communities and mariners.
The team comprised a Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Charge Nurse, Peer Educator, Health Inspector and Dental Assistant.
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All six were safely brought aboard the Lomaiviti Princess 12 and were reported to be in stable health.
They will be transported to the Lakeba Sub-Divisional Hospital this morning for comprehensive medical assessments and care.
Last night, upon arrival at Lakeba, the six were too weak to disembark from the vessel. The Lakeba medical team instead boarded the Lomaiviti Princess 12 with the medical supplies needed to begin treatment.
The vessel remained berthed at the Wainiyabia inlet last night and was expected to move closer to the Tubou jetty this morning.
The Ministry expressed its gratitude to people across Fiji for their prayers and support during the search.
"The overwhelming wave of prayers, shared thoughts, and solidarity from citizens across the country provided immense strength to the families and emergency teams during this critical period."
The Ministry also acknowledged the agencies and individuals involved in the successful rescue operation.
"Special commendation goes to the captain and crew of the Goundar Shipping vessel for their alertness, dedication, and swift action in executing the rescue."
It also recognised the Fiji Navy Rescue Coordinating Centre, the Fiji Police Force, local search parties, the Office of the Commissioner Eastern, the Provincial Administrator Lau, and coastal villagers and mariners across the Lau Group for their role in the operation.
The rescue brought to an end an intensive search after the outreach team failed to reach its destination while travelling in the Lau Group.
