Three people have drowned off Tuvuca Island in Vanuabalavu, Lau, and 13 feared missing at sea during a family picnic outing.
Details are sketchy but Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) CEO Joeli Cawaki has confirmed to The Fiji Times that the incident occurred on Friday, and have also established that the family had gone out for a picnic.
He said the district nurse had informed them of the tragedy at 3.55pm yesterday.
“Sixteen (16) people went for picnic between 8am to 9am in one boat. Police have been informed and the boat was seen near Nayau Island floating and empty,” Mr Cawaki said.
It is understood that at this stage, missing are four (4) adult women, four (4) boys and four (4) girls.
The three dead are believed to be all female.
The information of the 16th person remains sketchy.
Police and villagers are involved in the search at this stage.
