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Fijian authorities are investigating allegations Virgin Australia crew members were sexually assaulted and robbed while celebrating New Year’s Eve.
The airline has sent support staff to Fiji amid reports three crew members were allegedly attacked while out clubbing in the major tourist hub of Nadi in the early hours of 1 January.
Fiji’s deputy prime minister Viliame Gavoka said police were investigating two separate incidents — an alleged sexual assault and alleged theft — that affected two different crew members.
“Our thoughts and concerns are with them,” he said in a statement, adding that the crew members were in “good health” and would likely be returning home before the end of the week.
Gavoka expressed regret over the alleged incidents and said that a suspect known to the police had been questioned.
Fiji’s acting commissioner of police Juki Fong Chew told a local newspaper officers were still investigating, adding that the alleged attacks happened after the pair had exited a nightclub and were “trying to find their way back to the hotel”.
Flight Attendants’ Association of Australia federal secretary Teri O’Toole said it appeared the airline had acted very quickly and her union is ready to help in any way, adding that the union was yet to receive any official approaches for assistance.
“I believe these crew were on what we would call an overnight, so they would get to Fiji, wait and (their) flight would leave the next day,” she told the Australian Associated Press.
O’Toole said there had been a lot of guesswork about what had happened and urged people not to speculate while respecting the crew’s privacy during the police investigation.
“This is not a very common thing but it’s not something that’s never happened before either,” she said.
“It’s very disturbing for their friends and colleagues, everyone is very concerned for their welfare.”
Fiji’s acting police commissioner Juki Fong Chew said police are still investigating the allegations. Source: AAP / Fiji Police Force
The airline has confirmed an incident took place, but no further details have been provided on what happened.
Virgin staff have travelled to Nadi to provide support and family members of the affected crew are reportedly also flying to Fiji.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was aware of the reports but unable to provide further comment, a spokesperson said.
The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions when travelling to Fiji — the lowest of four official risk ratings.
“Crime in Fiji includes robbery, theft, violent assault, sexual assault and home invasions,” the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website states.
“Most crime is opportunistic. The highest risk is in urban areas and at night.”
