19 Jun 2002

11 Fiji villagers still missing at sea

6:21 am on 19 June 2002

Hopes are fading in Fiji for eleven villagers missing at sea since early Monday morning.

The eleven, seven men and four women, were part of a group of 13 travelling between Taveuni and Koro islands when their punt capsized in rough seas and high winds.

Two of the 13 swam ashore at Taveuni and raised the alarm.

A naval and air search yesterday failed to find any trace of the villagers.

A further search is planned for today.