QORINIYASI HOPEFUL FOR MISSING BROTHER’S RETURN

NICOLETTE CHAMBERS LAUTOKA

Salvation Army Major Kesoni Qoriniyasi is still hoping that his missing brother will return home.

According to Mr Qoriniyasi, his brother, Kida Tikoivanualevu, 63, from Namoli Village in Lautoka, went missing last Tuesday night after he went out fishing with two close friends.

Mr Qoriniyasi, from the Salvation Army in Lautoka, said he received news last Wednesday afternoon about his older brother’s disappearance at sea.

He said the story was relayed to him by a friend who was on the boat with him that night.

“His friend told me that it must have been something that caused him to have a heart attack, because he was wearing his wet suit, it was a bit small and probably that might have affected him,” he said.

“He knew my brother had fallen in the water and it was in the night. Not only that, his torch also went into the water with him.

“The other partner was still diving and so he started searching for him, but couldn’t find him.

“Because the current had changed, he said he would go the next morning and look for him. He went early the next morning, but there was still no sign of him.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said this disappearance took place at Malamala Reef.

Checks around the area were made with no results.

She said the search has been put on hold because of strong currents and winds.