Virgin Australia Airline crew allegedly sexually assaulted, robbed in Fiji
Virgin Australia crew members were allegedly sexually assaulted and robbed in one of Fiji's nightclub areas on New Year's Day, the island country's Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka announced.
Allegedly, two of the foreign airlines' crew members were assaulted and another was robbed on Wednesday morning in a nightclub area in the city of Nadi, Gavoka, who also serves as Fiji's Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, said in a Facebook post shared on Wednesday.
"Our thoughts and concerns are with them and for their health and well-being," Gavoka said. "These alleged incidents are regrettable."
The Fiji Police Force did question a suspect for the alleged sexual assaults, according to Gavoka. The deputy prime minister also debunked reports that the crew is being "detained," calling the information "incorrect and false."
In an email to Paste BN, Virgin Australia said it is "aware of an incident in Nadi, Fiji." The airline also said it has sent people over to provide support.
"Our focus is on the wellbeing of our team members affected," Virgin Australia said.
Paste BN contacted the Fiji Police Force on Thursday but did not receive a response.
Gavoka: 'Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere'
Gavoka stated that the crew is "in good health" as they are being accommodated at a local hotel which is the nominated crew accommodation for layovers. Their headquarters advised the three affected crew members to stay within the hotel's vicinity to "ensure contactability and assist with police investigations," he added.
According to Gavoka, the crew members should return home before the end of this week.
"Regrettably, incidents like this can happen anywhere and Fiji is not immune," he said. "We, as always, remind tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night."
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.