A memorial service was held yesterday at St Pius Church in Raiwaqa to honour the nine fishermen still missing at sea, bringing together grieving families in prayer and remembrance.
Following the service, families took to the sea in three fiberglass boats, travelling out to at Laucala Bay to cast flowers and wreaths into the ocean in a deeply emotional tribute to their loved ones.
Despite the sorrow, loved ones continue to hold on to hope that the men will one day be found.
The fishermen went missing on April 22 after departing on a fishing and diving trip near Kadavu, with plans to return the following day. Their empty fibreglass boat was later discovered near Vunaniu Bay, but there was no trace of the nine men.
The missing fishermen are Osea Vakaruru, Esekaia Boladuadua, Lemeki Tikoitoga, Mateo Tikoitoga, Sitiveni Tekivaktini, Savenaca Sokini, Maciu Niubalavu, and Julian Tavola.
Today marks 18 days since they were last seen, as families continue to live between grief and hope, holding onto prayers for answers and closure.
