Authorities in Lautoka have confirmed the recovery of the body of one individual who went missing following a boat capsizing incident near Covuli Reef on Sunday. The remains were taken to the Lautoka Hospital mortuary. Efforts to locate two other missing persons, including a seven-year-old child, are still ongoing.
The tragic event occurred when a fiberglass vessel carrying five passengers capsized unexpectedly amid deteriorating weather conditions, despite initially calm seas. While one passenger successfully swam to shore, the boat’s owner, a 66-year-old man, was discovered deceased in the water. Investigations into the exact circumstances surrounding the capsizing are currently underway as local authorities strive to account for the remaining individuals.
In a display of community solidarity, local residents have actively participated in search efforts, demonstrating resilience during this challenging time. Previous maritime accidents in the area have raised alarms about water safety, especially with the cyclone season approaching. Authorities have been prompted to emphasize the importance of vigilant supervision of children near water, given the history of drownings in the region.
The community continues to maintain hope for the safe return of the missing individuals, embodying strength and collective support in the face of adversity. Authorities are underscoring the critical need for adherence to safety protocols to avert similar tragedies in the future. This ongoing situation serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of water safety awareness, with the expectation that these distressing incidents will drive improved preventative measures to better protect families during water activities.