EDITORIAL: We Pay Tribute To Those Who Helped In Search And Rescue In Plane Crash

Officers of the Police, Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Navy, National Fire Authority and Volunteer First Responder (Fiji) and villagers who made up the search and rescue team that reached the crash site of the ill-fated Cessna 172 need to be applauded.

The operation was co-ordinated by the Fiji Rescue Coordination  Centre at the Fiji Navy Headquarters in Walu Bay.

More than 30 officers worked tirelessly since the crash to access the wreckage and retrieve the bodies of flying instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student Merelesita Lutu.

Last night they were still up in the mountain at a landing zone waiting for the operation to continue this morning. We must pay tribute to these officers and nearby villagers who volunteered and braved the treacherous conditions and unforgiving terrain to help in the search and rescue.

Many who have followed this tragedy including the families of the victims appreciate the work of these people. The discovery of the bodies gives the families a sense of closure.

Questions about what happened will of course be answered by an inquiry that is being conducted by Air Accident Investigator, Andrew McGregor, of New Zealand.

Those who are unfamiliar with the geography of Delaikoro where the Cessna 172  crashed would not be able to comprehend the difficulties faced by our officers and the villagers who assisted them.

The tough terrain, dense jungle and bad weather were obstacles in their path. On Wednesday night, the officers camped out at the crash site in their efforts to secure the crash and the remains of the instructor and student.

The Cessna 172 crashed and landed on the side of a cliff where it was partly braced on treetops.

While the search and rescue team were working hard to reach the crash site, the wannabe paparazzi on social media were busy spreading false information. One sick person decided it would be fun to spread lies that two people were sighted waving their white shirts in the mountains of Korotari. It sparked rumours that the two had been found well and alive.

It helped no one - including the grieving families and the search and rescue team who were on the ground.

What was even more disturbing  was when SODELPA Victoria Facebook page shared an article praising SODELPA North branch members for helping the officers in locating the wreckage and the pair.  Any attempt to politicise this tragedy is totally unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Those who are allegedly involved are insensitive to the feelings of the families of the victims.

While we praise our officers, we offer our condolences to the grieving families and pray  that they will find peace and comfort in their difficult time of grief.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj