Tuvuca Picnic Tragedy Shatters Family

Viliame Maukakala is grappling with the devastating loss of three family members after a 23-foot punt, carrying relatives on a picnic trip in the Tuvuca waters of Vanuabalavu, allegedly capsized.

The victims include his other Vela Maukakala (50), niece Talica Latu Koto (12), and aunt Losena Kaukiono (50), while his sister Lagilagi Maukakala (11) remains missing as police intensify their search.

The family had embarked on a traditional ceremony (kau matanigone) of introducing children to their maternal relatives, intending to return on Wednesday, January 10.

The tragic unfolded last Friday, leaving Mr Maukakala shocked and devastated when he received the heartbreaking call.

" What a way to begin my year," he expressed, reflecting on the sudden loss.

"We we all excited for the New Year, and I received this shocking news. I felt so numb, I didn't even want to eat.”

The last interaction Mr Maukakala had with his mother was her invitation to join the trip, an offer he had to decline due to work commitments.

The emotional toll was evident as he struggled to come to terms with the abrupt departure of his loved ones.

“It’s like my body was having difficulty with accepting the news; three of our roses just left without saying goodbye,” he said.

“Next morning, I didn’t even pack anything, just the clothes I was wearing and my wallet, I got in the first boat and came straight home.”

Mr Maukakala hadn’t seen his missing sister since 2014, when he left their home in Suva for Vanuabalavu.

The uncertainty surrounding her fate weighs heavily on him.

“At this point, I’m not sure if my sister is still alive because it has been three days now,” he said.

“For now, we are waiting for my sister (Talica’s mother) to arrive on Thursday, so we can have a family meeting about where we go from here.”

Viliame Maukakala mourn the death of his mother, Vela Maukakala.

Aisea Temo, a cousin and uncle in the family, expressed deep sorrow, emphasising his role in looking after the children over the years.

“I’ve been looking after these kids since I was 17 years old,” Mr Temo said emotionally.

“Every day when these children would ask for spending money, without complaining, I would give it to them. Now it’s all just a memory.”

The family plans to bury Mr Maukakala’s niece in Suva, while his mother will find her final resting place in Tuvuca Village.

Mr Maukakala’s father resides in Australia, and his sister (Talica’s mother) and 15-year-old brother, both survivors, are expected to arrive on Thursday, January 11.

In response to the incident, the Divisional Crime Officer, South, a pathologist, and investigators have initiated a probe, including a post-mortem examination on the deceased trio.

The Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services of Fiji, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, expressed growing concerns about maritime safety issues.

“The recent cases of fibreglass and small boats capsizing which resulted in loss of life could have been prevented as some of these boats were non-compliant in terms of registration and not carrying mandated safety equipment such as life jackets,” the minister said.

Mr Tuisawau urged boat operators to prioritise maintenance checks and adhere to safety measures, emphasising that non-compliance may lead to the cancellation of licenses for public safety reasons.

The Maritime Authority and Safety of Fiji (MSAF) are collaborating with the police, navy, and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to address these concerns and promote safer maritime practices nationwide.

Feedback: beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj