A desperate search is continuing in the Lau Group after 6 healthcare workers disappeared at sea while travelling from Moce to Oneata on a medical outreach mission.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health highlighted that the team left Moce at 7am on Wednesday and was expected to arrive in Oneata two hours later.

However, their boat suffered engine failure before it began taking on water.
The healthcare workers then put on life jackets and used the vessel’s wooden floorboards to stay afloat while awaiting help.

Also, in an earlier statement, the Republic of Fiji Navy highlights that the incident was reported to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji on Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate multi-agency search involving the Fiji Police Force and other government agencies.

The boat captain was found alive this morning after swimming for hours to seek assistance, while the six healthcare workers remain missing.

Search operations are continuing with naval, police and aerial assets covering the Lau waters.

The Ministry of Health has activated emergency command centres and informed the families of those missing, while the Republic of Fiji Navy is urging mariners and coastal communities between Oneata, Aiwa, Moce and Lakeba to remain vigilant and report any sightings that could assist rescue teams.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa