"They are still out there” – father’s hope remains as search continues

A father of one of the nine missing fishermen says the moment they received news that the boat had been found without any sign of the men was filled with overwhelming grief, as cries echoed through the room and families broke down in tears.

Despite the heartbreak, Iosefo Baleinatuvu says he still believes the men are alive. He says in his heart he feels they are still out there somewhere, and believes they may have managed to swim to shore after hearing where the boat was located.

Baleinatuvu says families had gathered yesterday afternoon, coming together with relatives of the other missing men to share their thoughts, emotions and fears about what might happen if they received bad news.

He says while they were still meeting later that evening, the Republic of Fiji Navy arrived, presented their sevusevu, and informed them that the missing boat had been found near Vunaniu, but there was no sign of the nine fishermen.

Baleinatuvu says the room was immediately filled with cries, including from children, as the weight of the news sank in. He says even the Navy officers were visibly affected after witnessing the pain and grief of the families.

He questioned the Navy about the location of the boat, saying search teams had already covered that area earlier without finding any sign of it. He was told that the Navy received a call from someone in Vunaniu who had spotted the vessel.

Even as some family members begin to lose hope, Baleinatuvu says he is holding on, confident that the men are still alive.

He also thanked the Republic of Fiji Navy for continuing the search, saying they have reassured families they will not give up and will keep searching for the missing men no matter how long it takes.

Baleinatuvu has also expressed his gratitude to members of the public for their support, saying many people, including those who do not know the families, have reached out with donations, visits and words of encouragement, especially to the wives and children of the missing fishermen.

He says the support from the public, relatives and search teams has been a source of strength during this difficult time.