Savusavu tourist’s fishing dream cut short by theft

A visiting fishing enthusiast has been left devastated after his fishing gear was stolen in Savusavu, cutting short his trip.

Ruben Fischnaller, who travelled to Fiji with his equipment, said in a video posted on Facebook that the theft ended his plans to experience fishing in the country.

He said he had gone into Savusavu Town and returned to his fishing spot to find his gear missing.

“My precious gear is gone, everything is gone, I could throw up and cry because my fishing gear was the tools to embrace my passion,” he said.

Police spokesman Sergeant Wame Bautolu confirmed a report was lodged at Savusavu Police Station yesterday morning.

Mr Fischnaller said the stolen items included three Shimano Saragosa reels, a Shimano Stradic rod, a Savage Gear rod, a bone stick bait rod, fishing lures and reels filled with braid.

He has appealed to the public for help in recovering the items.

The incident has also raised concerns within the community.

Savusavu resident Noleen Billings called on the public to assist police with information, saying the theft risked damaging the town’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Savusavu Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Avikash Pillay said the business community had repeatedly asked for increased police patrols.

Mr Pillay said drunkards and drug peddlers roamed the streets while police presence remained limited.

He said both tourists and residents should feel safe moving around Savusavu.