Search continues for nine missing at sea

Search and rescue operations for nine people missing at sea continued yesterday, with authorities covering about 20,000 square nautical miles across multiple sectors.

The search, which began late last week, has expanded based on information from family members.

Operations are being coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji, with the Fiji Navy working alongside the Fiji Police Force, regional partners, local communities and private operators.

Six assets were deployed on Tuesday, including the Guardian-class patrol boat RFNS Timo, a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 Poseidon, a Defence-chartered Northern Air fixed-wing aircraft, a helicopter with Fiji Navy air riders, and two Water Police vessels.

Search teams covered waters around Vatulele, Beqa, Kadavu and Lomaiviti, extending further west of Kadavu and along the Coral Coast due to weather conditions. The last known position was near Solo Lighthouse, north of Kadavu, where earlier searches were concentrated.

Officials said teams had also met with families of the missing to assure them that all efforts were being made to locate their loved ones.

Authorities acknowledged support from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, national agencies, local communities, hotel operators and air service providers.

Members of the public are urged to report any sightings, floating debris or unusual activity at sea that may assist the search. Coastal communities are asked to remain vigilant and relay information through their Turaga ni Koro, the nearest police station or relevant authorities.