The Republic of Fiji Navy handed two crew members of a Chinese-owned Fiji flagged fishing vessel to police after allegations of a beheading while the vessel was out at sea.
Navy commander Captain Humphrey Tawake said Tiro II was located west of Navula Passage with the two men onboard.
He said the men were handed to police for investigations into allegations crew members of the vessel jumped overboard when the alleged murder took place.
“The vessel’s crew are Chinese, Indonesian and Fijian nationals and we are aware of the allegations that a Fijian national had beheaded a second Fijian national following a heated argument,” Capt Tawake said.
“However, we cannot comment on these allegations since police will carry out their own investigations to ascertain these claims. “We are aware that part of the crew had jumped overboard while two remained on the vessel.”
Capt Tawake said they had acquired a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P3 Orion aircraft to assist in the search.
“One of the six missing was spotted in the water and the RNZAF has yet to make any public statement on the incident.
“Once the two men have given their interviews to police we can then specify the search for the amount of crew that are still at sea, including what really transpired on the boat.”
Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed registering the vessel and the two men as part of an investigation. Mr Tudravu said they were investigating allegations of a murder.
Meanwhile, police spokeswoman Savaira Tabua said the search operation was facing difficulties because of deteriorating weather and rough seas.
She said the Fiji Navy was alerted to the incident on Wednesday when six crew were reported missing.
“We will respond once we receive confirmation of updates on the search and rescue operations.”
