The ongoing search for nine people aboard a missing fibreglass boat has taken a tragic turn, with authorities confirming the vessel has been found semi-submerged in waters just south of Vunaniu Bay.

In an update today, officials say the discovery was made this afternoon by a mariner from the Beach House area in Vunaniu Bay, who spotted the vessel and alerted search teams. The boat has since been positively identified as the one reported missing last week.

While debris had been located in earlier search efforts, today’s development confirms the fate of the vessel. Sadly, no survivors were found on or near the boat.

Families of the nine people have been informed of the discovery.

Given the time elapsed since the vessel was first reported missing on Thursday and the condition in which it was found, authorities say the operation has now shifted from search and rescue to search and recovery.

Today’s search operations continued to involve aerial support, with Northern Air’s fixed-wing aircraft DQ-NAS covering designated areas, while Joyce Aviation’s rotary-wing aircraft DQ-MED also assisted.

Officials have conveyed their condolences to the families, as recovery efforts continue.

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