A five-year-old Australian girl has died after being swept away by strong currents at a waterfall in Fiji, prompting a call for accountability from her family. Lilly Wal was visiting Biausevu Waterfall in Sigatoka with her family on when the incident occurred, according to reports in local media.
The Fiji Police Force confirmed Lilly’s body was recovered along the Biausevu River the following day. The tragedy has sparked outrage and questions regarding safety protocols at the popular tourist destination.
Lilly’s cousin, Chiara Subek, has publicly demanded “accountability, awareness, and change,” alleging a “complete failure in duty of care” contributed to the young girl’s death. In a social media post, Subek detailed the family’s experience, claiming they received no warnings about the dangers of visiting the waterfall during rainfall.
“The family was never properly briefed on the risks, never given safety warnings, and never told what to do if it started raining,” Subek wrote. “Despite locals later telling us that people are not supposed to go up to the waterfall when it is raining, they were taken up regardless, with no preparation, no proper guidance, no clear safety protocols.”
Subek further alleged that a child, not employed by the tour operator, was responsible for guiding families with young children along the trail, even under unsafe conditions. She also accused the tour company of prioritizing profit over safety, alleging overcharging and a disregard for the risks posed by the weather.
A Google review from a visitor on the same day, Priyatna Chand, corroborates the challenging conditions, describing crossing seven streams with water levels reaching knee-height. The review also noted heavy rainfall and a tour guide’s insistence that the group continue crossing the river despite increasing currents. The review highlighted the limited shelter available along the trail, with only two structures to provide protection from the rain.
The incident raises broader questions about tourist safety and the responsibility of tour operators in Fiji, a nation heavily reliant on tourism. While Fiji offers stunning natural beauty, including numerous waterfalls, ensuring the safety of visitors in potentially hazardous environments is paramount.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia has confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the Wal family. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson stated, adding that the department is limited in what it can comment on due to privacy obligations.
Fiji Police have been contacted for comment. Subek claims that initial responses from local authorities and police were inadequate, alleging a lack of accountability and even blame directed towards Lilly’s family. She asserts that the investigation has not been taken seriously and that the focus should be on duty of care, tourist safety, and the protection of children.
The case is likely to intensify scrutiny of safety regulations and oversight at tourist sites in Fiji. The nation’s tourism industry, still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be keen to address concerns and reassure visitors. The incident also underscores the importance of clear communication of risks to tourists and the provision of adequate safety guidance, particularly in areas susceptible to rapid changes in weather conditions.
The tragedy at Biausevu Waterfall serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in adventure tourism and the critical need for responsible tour operation practices. The Wal family’s call for justice highlights the emotional toll of such incidents and the demand for greater accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
