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Cook Islands police have called off the search for Lady Moana crew member Luke Vakayawa.
photo: supply
Cook Islands police have called off the search for 22-year-old Luke Vakayawa. Man falls into water from inter-island ferry All weekend long.
Luke from Fiji is Lady Moanathe flight returned from Mangaia to Rarotonga.
The life buoy Wakayawa was using when she fell into the water was found Tuesday, police spokesman Trevor Pitt said.
“The Maritime Commander and the Commissioner reviewed the search and rescue operation this morning and agreed to cease the search and rescue operation given that the patrol boat had conducted a fairly comprehensive search of the area where the man disappeared,” Pitt said.
Police patrol boats began searching for Luke on Sunday morning local time and continued the search until Monday evening local time.
At about 3:43 a.m. Sunday, a police patrol boat Pigeon No. 2 A distress call was received, saying that a man had fallen into the water from a cargo ship.
The crew was mobilized and set out early Sunday morning, departing at 8:45am. Pigeon No. 2 arrive Lady Moanabut nine hours later, the man had not been rescued.
“We think the patrol boat did all it could.”
Pitt said police will now contact the child’s father and the coroner will decide the next steps.
He said he did not know what the sea conditions were like during the voyage.
The inter-island ferry Lady Moana.
photo: cook islands news
Luke’s father, Vuli Vakayawa, is also the captain of the inter-island ferry. Lady Moana.
Father ‘heartbroken’
He said cook islands news He had been enjoying sailing to Pa Enua (outer islands) to deliver and collect supplies, but the pain of losing his son left him heartbroken.
“I am deeply shocked by what is happening in the waters between Mangaia and Rarotonga,” he told the newspaper.
“The voyage that once brought me endless joy was now marked by this heartbreaking loss. Although I have sailed for many years, this incident has forever changed my relationship with the sea.”
Luke arrived in the Cook Islands in March 2023 and has just started working for the shipping company.
Vuli described Luke to reporters as having a shy personality, both in front of his family and in the community.
He is a member of the Fijian charity Friends of Rarotonga Fiji.
“Luke is also a member of the Friends of Fiji Society and the Friends of Fiji Society board and members were deeply gratified by Luke’s gesture in welcoming (Fijian Prime Minister) Prime Minister (Sitiweni) Rabuka at Tamarind House seven months ago,” the group said in a statement.
“Luke’s contribution was silent but vital and reflects his character perfectly.”
A memorial service is being organised by Friends of Fiji Inc and the family.
Additional reporting cook islands news.
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