Search intensifies for missing Lakeba medical team as NZ deploys support
A separate coordination meeting was held yesterday afternoon with the Commander of the Fiji Navy and his team to map out maritime search grids.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 17:30
After no immediate sightings were reported from the air, a Fiji Navy rescue vessel departed at 4pm to continue the surface search.
Republic of Fiji Navy.
The search for six missing healthcare workers in the Lau Group has intensified, with Fiji deploying naval and aerial assets and New Zealand joining the operation tomorrow as hopes remain of locating the missing medical outreach team.
Joint search and rescue operations have expanded, with Government officials, emergency services and international partners coordinating efforts to locate the six healthcare workers who disappeared in Lau waters.
Strategic coordination meetings and briefings have been held with rescue teams, including the Commissioner's Eastern Office and the Provincial Administrator for Lau, to streamline response efforts.
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A separate coordination meeting was held yesterday afternoon with the Commander of the Fiji Navy and his team to map out maritime search grids.
Rescue operation leaders have also updated the Minister for Health and the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development on the situation and ongoing operations.
A chartered helicopter conducted an aerial search over Lakeba waters from 11.30am, covering the area for about four hours.
After no immediate sightings were reported from the air, a Fiji Navy rescue vessel departed at 4pm to continue the surface search.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services said the New Zealand Defence Force would arrive tomorrow morning to support the Government of Fiji and the Fiji Navy in the search operation.
The ministry said further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
