The Fiji Navy is urging all mariners to remain ashore and avoid unnecessary travel at sea as adverse weather conditions continue to affect the country.
In a public advisory issued today, the Navy said patrol vessel RFNS Savenaca was deployed at 3am following reports of an overdue punt that had departed Korolevu for Vatulele yesterday afternoon and was later reported missing.
According to the Navy, the vessel’s disappearance was reported late yesterday evening, prompting the deployment of search and rescue resources.
Search efforts for the missing punt remain ongoing.
The Navy warned that current weather conditions pose a significant danger to those travelling by sea, particularly operators of small boats and punts.
“Mariners, particularly small boat operators, are reminded that venturing out during adverse weather places lives at serious risk and may also endanger those involved in search and rescue operations,” the advisory stated.
Despite existing weather warnings, the Navy said several small boats and punts were intercepted at sea early this morning.
Authorities are calling on members of the public to exercise caution, heed weather warnings and avoid taking unnecessary risks while conditions remain unsafe.
The Fiji Navy stressed that safety must remain the priority as search operations continue for the missing vessel.
