Members of a Virgin Australia crew have been advised to stay in their hotel rooms in Fiji after allegations they were sexually assaulted and robbed after clubbing in Nadi on New Years Eve.
The airline has sent support staff and family members to assist the affected crew members. Virgin has also sent a replacement crew for the return flight back to Australia.
Fiji’s Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew, has confirmed to The Fiji Sun that police are investigating the allegations. “We confirm police are investigating the Australian airline crew case as they were (alleged) victims of theft and of allegations of [sexual assault] after clubbing.” The incident is alleged to of happened after the crew exited the Bar One Club while trying to find their way back to their hotel.
ABC Australia reports that that Fijian authorities say the alleged incident involved a male and female crew member. ABC further reports that Assistant Police Commissioner Mesake Waqa stated the male crew member was assaulted, while the female crew member was sexually assaulted. The male crew member was taken to hospital with facial injuries.
Virgin told Australian media, “our focus is on the wellbeing of our team members affected. Out of respect for our crew we will not be providing further comment.”
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told ABC they were aware of the incident but couldn’t comment further due to privacy obligations.
The Fijian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, William R Gavoka, posted the following on Facebook:
ALLEGATIONS OF THEFT & SEXUAL ASSAULT OF FOREIGN AIRLINE CREW MEMBERS
The Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation confirms that Police are currently investigating incidents from the early hours of Wednesday morning in a nightclub area in Nadi. It is reported that an alleged theft and sexual assault occurred, with victims being crew members of a foreign airline.
Our thoughts and concerns are with them and for their health and well-being.
These alleged incidents are regrettable. There were two separate alleged incidents, one being alleged theft and the other being alleged sexual assault which affected two different crew members.
A suspect known to Police for the alleged sexual assault has been questioned. Investigation continues.
We also refer to reports by various international media claiming that the crew are being ‘detained’ – this is incorrect and false.
The crew, who are in good health, are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers. The three crew members were also advised by their Headquarters to remain within the hotel vicinity to ensure contactability and assist with Police investigations; they should return home before the end of this week.
We urge our international media to exercise caution in their reporting and avoid sensationalising incidents without facts.
Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere and Fiji is not immune. We, as always, remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.
ENDS
Viliame R. Gavoka
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation
Suva, 02 January 2025.
The incident comes after seven people, including four Australians, were hospitalised after drinking cocktails at the Warwick Resort in Fiji last month.
The Australian Government advises Australians to exercise normal safety precautions in Fiji – the lowest of 4 travel advice levels.
In Australia:
- 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732
- Full Stop 1800 385 578
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- Lifeline (24-hour): 131 114
In Fiji:
- Fiji Women’s crisis Centre: 3313 300
In the USA:
- RAINN: 800.656.HOPE
In the UK:
- Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222
In Europe:
The rest of the world:
