Two heavily pregnant women, whose husbands are among nine fishermen still missing at sea, have made and emotional plea for authorities to extend the search, saying they are clinging to hope despite being uncertain about how they will cope without them.
Six months pregnant with her fourth child, Joana Vukatava said the situation had left her overwhelmed, unable to comprehend how she would manage her family if husband Lemeki Tikoitoga would not return.
“I don’t want to believe they are dead,” she said.
“I believe they are still alive.”
She said her husband was the sole provider for the family and the foundation of their daily survival.
Vukatava pleaded with authorities to continue the search for at least a few more days.
“I am requesting the relevant authorities to please search for them for at least another three days.
“I am six months pregnant and I have a three-year-old child. I honestly don’t know how I will manage.”
Her plea was echoed by Veronika Tabua Kacivi, who is eight months pregnant with her second child.
“I am eight months pregnant and I am not fit to find work to support my family,” she said.
“My children and I need him.”
She said their young son continued to ask when his father would return home.
“He asks me every day if his father is coming back and when.
“I am asking the police and the navy to please give us just three more days to look for them.”
