Authorities in Lautoka have confirmed that the body of one of the individuals who went missing after a boat capsized near Covuli Reef on Sunday has been recovered. The victim’s remains were retrieved and subsequently taken to the Lautoka Hospital mortuary. The search is still underway for two other missing persons from the incident, including a seven-year-old child.
This unfortunate situation unfolded when a fiberglass vessel carrying five passengers capsized during what appeared to be calm weather that rapidly deteriorated. Reports indicate that one passenger managed to swim to safety while the boat’s owner, a 66-year-old man, was found lifeless in the water. The circumstances surrounding the capsizing are still being investigated as authorities work diligently to account for the remaining missing individuals.
The local community has stepped forward to assist in the search efforts, displaying remarkable solidarity during this dire time. Previous tragic events in the area have heightened concerns about maritime safety, particularly with the approaching cyclone season. Recent similar incidents have led to local authorities urging vigilant supervision of children around water, as previous drownings have brought attention to the inherent risks of marine activities.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of those still missing, embodying resilience and collective support in the face of adversity. Authorities stress the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. The ongoing situation serves as a somber reminder of the vital need for increased awareness around water safety, with the hope that these incidents will lead to better preventative measures to safeguard families during water activities.