A devastated family from Brisbane is demanding justice and systemic changes after their five-year-old daughter tragically drowned during a holiday in Fiji. The incident has sparked outrage over alleged safety lapses at a popular tourist site.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Lilly Wal, a young girl from Brisbane, was visiting Biausevu Waterfall in Sigatoka with her family when she was swept away by strong currents. The tragedy occurred around 2pm on January 12, during heavy rainfall, according to local media reports. The Fiji Police Force confirmed that her body was found along the Biausevu River the following day.
Family's Heartbreaking Account
Lilly's cousin, Chiara Subek, has taken to social media to voice the family's grief and demand accountability, awareness, and change. She described the event as a complete failure in duty of care, turning what was meant to be a beautiful getaway into a traumatic experience.
Subek claimed that the family was never properly briefed on the risks associated with rainfall in the area. They were never given safety warnings or told what to do if it started raining, she stated, despite locals later indicating that visiting the waterfall in such conditions is unsafe.
Allegations Against the Tour Company
According to Subek, the family was taken up to the waterfall regardless of the dangerous conditions, with no preparation, proper guidance, or clear safety protocols. She also alleged that a child, who did not even work for the company, was sent to guide families with young children along the trail during unsafe weather.
Supporting these claims, a Google review by Priyatna Chand, who visited the waterfall on the same day, described crossing seven streams with knee-high water under the guidance of a young girl. The reviewer noted heavy rainfall, limited shelters, and that the tour guide continued to ask groups to cross flooded streams despite increasing currents. Chand later learned a child had gone missing during these attempts.
Lack of Response from Authorities
Subek accused the tour guide company of prioritising profit over safety and criticised local authorities for a lack of accountability and compassion following Lilly's death. She claimed that the village chief did not reach out to the family, acknowledge the incident, or take responsibility, and there was no proper response from local leadership or police.
Instead of supporting our family, they tried to blame my aunty for Lilly's passing, Subek said, adding that the investigation has not been taken seriously and feels like an attempt to brush the tragedy aside.
Calls for Justice and Change
The family is now advocating for justice to prevent other families from enduring similar pain. We want accountability, awareness, and change, Subek emphasised, calling for improved safety measures and oversight at tourist sites.
Official Responses
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family. A spokesperson expressed deepest condolences but cited privacy obligations for not commenting further.
Biausevu Waterfall, located on Viti Levu island about a 90-minute drive south of Nadi, has seen other safety concerns, with a Google review noting the site was closed on January 19 due to an accident.
