Search And Rescue Still Looking For Missing Plane: DPC Nakauyaca
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Wednesday 28 February 2018 | 10:00
Search and rescue team members back at the Doguru Community Hall after looking for the missing plane, instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student Merelesita Lutu on February 27, 2018. Photo: Wati Talebula
The Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the villages of Doguru worked together yesterday to search for the missing Cessna 172M plane, flying instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student Merelesita Lutu.
The Nadi-based Pacific Flying School pilot and student were on a routine training flight on board a Cessna 172M aircraft when it disappeared in the mountainous interior of Macuata in Vanua Levu on Monday.
Divisional Police Commander (DPC) Northern Verani Nakauyaca said the search started early yesterday morning.
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“At around 7am the search parties left the village to search for the two people. A chopper made two rounds in the day,” DPC Nakauyaca said.
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“We were able to maintain contact with the rescue team through the handset radio. Till now the rescue teams have found nothing.”
DPC Nakauyaca said the search will continue today.
“There are 17 soldiers, 15 Police officers and 10 villagers’ are part of the rescue team.
“The fog is thick which is making work difficult for the chopper and rescuers.”
Meanwhile, Inspector Meli Matarugu presented the Sevusevu and asked for forgiveness from Doguru headman Semi Radrodro for not seeking permission to enter the village and to conduct the search on Delaikoro mountain on Monday.
Before entering a village, a sevusevu is presented to seek permission and blessing from the village elders to enter the village and to engage in any other activity.
They search resumes at 6 am today.
Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar
Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj
