THERE is a very slim chance of them still being alive, said Sawaieke district rep Kelepi Delaimataitoga as he lamented the seven men still missing at sea.
The men failed to return home after leaving for Levuka on Boxing Day in a yellow fibreglass boat from Nawaikama in Gau.
Mr Delaimataitoga said they had assumed that the boat capsized at sea.
“On the 28th of last month they had left Nawaikama at around 5am, together with a fibreglass boat heading to Suva.
“I had actually called the police in Levuka to stop them.
“The next day police had called and asked if they had arrived, but I said they had not returned.
“They were drinking kava on Christmas night until the next morning.
“We do not really know what actually happened. If one had survived then he would tell us what actually happened.
“Today (yesterday) is the eighth day. I have contacted the navy today requesting them to tell us something now and that the search has been called off.
“Keimami sa via vakacegu (we want to rest),” he said.
Mr Delaimataitoga said they would perform customary rituals once they received confirmation from authorities of their fate.
“The mats are ready and we are just waiting for at least a confirmation from police or the navy. This is a huge lesson for the youths,” he said.
