Fears for missing Fiji fishermen as boat found and search shifts to recovery, officials say

Hopes of finding nine missing fishermen alive have faded in Fiji after their boat was discovered partially submerged at sea.

Authorities have confirmed there were no survivors.

The vessel was found on Tuesday just south of Vunaniu Bay and brought a tragic shift in the search that had been underway for nearly a week.

In a statement, the Republic of Fiji Navy said debris had first been spotted during earlier search efforts before the fibreglass boat was located later on Tuesday.

The discovery was made by a mariner from Beach House in Vunaniu Bay. Officials have since confirmed it was the same vessel reported missing.

Family members have now been informed.

With no sign of the men on board and the condition of the boat, authorities say the operation has officially moved from a rescue mission to recovery.

“The operation has now shifted from search and rescue to search and recovery,” a Navy spokesperson said, pointing to the time that has passed since the group went missing and the state of the vessel.

An aerial view of search operations as aircraft scour waters off northern Fiji for the missing fishermen. Photo/Fiji Navy

The fishermen were last seen heading out to sea seven days ago and concern had been growing as days passed without contact.

Tuesday’s development marks the strongest indication yet that the men may not have survived, which has increased fears across their communities.

Search teams continued working throughout the day, supported from the air by both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft to cover a wide stretch of ocean.

Northern Air’s plane and a helicopter from Joyce Aviation were deployed to assist crews on the ground and at sea as they combed the area.

Authorities say efforts will now focus on locating the missing men and bringing answers to their families.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through northern Fiji where small fishing trips are a part of daily life and communities remain closely connected.

For now, the focus turns to recovery as families face an anxious wait for any further news.