The devastated family of a five-year-old girl who tragically drowned while visiting a renowned waterfall in Fiji has launched urgent questions about why the excursion was allowed to proceed despite perilous weather conditions. Lilly Wal was caught by powerful currents at the Biausevu Waterfall in Sigatoka during an outing with her mother and siblings around 2pm on January 13.
Family's Anguish and Safety Concerns
Lilly's body was discovered near the popular swimming hole the following day, leaving her relatives heartbroken and demanding accountability. The family has expressed profound distress over why their trip to the waterfall was not cancelled, given the torrential downpour that occurred on the day of the incident.
Lilly's cousin, Chiara Subek, described the holiday as transforming into 'the most traumatic experience' for everyone involved. She revealed to the Courier Mail that the family was never properly briefed on the inherent risks, never received adequate safety warnings, and was never instructed on what actions to take if rain began during the visit.
Allegations of Inadequate Guidance
Ms Subek further claimed that a young guide, who appeared to have no knowledge of the waterfall's dangers, led the family to the swimming spot. It is understood that this group was taken on a different track compared to other tourist parties, potentially increasing their vulnerability.
Another tour operator in the region commented that it routinely cancels trips to the waterfall when there is 'a lot of water'. This operator noted, 'We had heavy rain all that week, most people cancel when it's that bad, this is the first time this has happened.'
Calls for Justice and Improved Safety
The family, who reside in Brisbane, are now fervently seeking justice for their 'sweet' girl. Ms Subek has issued a public appeal to Fijian authorities, urging them to implement stricter safety measures at popular tourist destinations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the grieving family. She stated, 'We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.'
Details of the Biausevu Waterfall
Biausevu Waterfall is situated on Fiji's picturesque Coral Coast, near Sigatoka, on the main island of Viti Levu. It is approximately a 90-minute drive south of Nadi, making it a key attraction for visitors.
The waterfall itself stands about 20 metres high and cascades in two distinct tiers into a natural swimming pool, which contributes to its popularity. Accessing this site requires completing a guided rainforest walk that lasts around 45 minutes and involves multiple creek crossings.
While the trail is generally considered mostly flat, it can become notably slippery following rainfall, highlighting the importance of proper guidance and weather-aware planning for all visitors.
