06/08/2026
๐๐๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ช๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐จ๐จ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฝ๐ค๐๐ฉโต ๐๐๐ฉ๐ 6 ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฝ๐ค๐๐ง๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ฉ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ข๐ช๐ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ช๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐จ ๐
Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate a fibreglass boat carrying six people that disappeared while travelling between Namuka and Fulaga islands on Thursday.
The vessel was one of three fibreglass boats that departed Namuka Island at around 10:00 a.m. for Fulaga. While two boats completed the journey safely, the third failed to arrive, prompting concern among authorities.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji was notified on Thursday evening after the vessel was reported overdue.
The missing boat is described as a white half-cabin fibreglass vessel fitted with a 40-horsepower outboard engine.Rescue crews have since launched a search across waters in the Lau Group, but operations are being complicated by worsening sea conditions.
โAdverse weather conditions with strong winds and rough to very rough seas are hindering search efforts,โ the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji said.
Authorities have urged mariners, fishermen, and residents in coastal communities throughout the Lau Group to remain alert and report any possible sightings.
โMariners transiting between Namuka, Fulaga, and surrounding waters are requested to maintain a sharp lookout for the missing white half-cabin fibreglass boat and its occupants,โ JRCC Fiji said.
โAny sighting or information that may assist the search should be reported immediately to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji on toll-free 1539 or the nearest police station.โ
Meanwhile, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is reminding all small-boat operators to avoid venturing out while hazardous weather persists.
โSmall-boat operators should not travel during adverse weather, rough seas, or when conditions are assessed as unsafe,โ MSAF advised.
โBefore proceeding to sea, operators must ensure their vessels are seaworthy and equipped with adequate fuel, lifejackets, reliable communications equipment, and other essential safety gear.โ
The search remains ongoing and authorities will provide updates as more information becomes available.
