Help Gabriel and Tam Get Home for Urgent Medical Recovery

Hi, my name is Olivia, and alongside my husband Jacob and our families, we are working tirelessly to bring my brother-in-law, Gabriel (Gabe) Hijniakoff, and our sister-in-law, Cintamani (Tam)

Warrington, home to Australia for urgent medical treatment and a safe return to their home as they have lost all of their personal travel documents and important belongings.

On March 21, 2025, while on a much-needed holiday in Bali, Gabriel and Tam’s trip turned into a nightmare. While traveling from the port on the east coast to Nusa Penida for a day of snorkeling, tragedy struck. The details of the incident are still to be confirmed, as media outlets and local reports have been INACCURATE and down played by initial reports through local authorities. Though what we do know is that Gabriel and Tam were involved in a serious accident, resulting in sustaining serious injuries, a road to recovery and furthermore a difficult situation in getting them home with the loss of their travel documents/electronic devices. The gravity of such events and injuries unfortunately do sustain long term effects and further treatment.

Tam’s injuries are particularly severe, as she has sustained extensive chemical burns?/burns to a large portion of her body. She is currently undergoing urgent surgery and is currently receiving medical treatment in Bali after a tireless fight from abroad. Unfortunately, she is unable to speak due to the pain and her condition remains critical. Gabriel, too, has sustained significant injuries and they were only able to begin medical treatment nearly 24 hours after the incident. Both were left stranded on the boat for an extended period along other passengers and did not receive timely medical attention or transfers. Unfortunately 1 woman tragically lost her life in this tragic incident.

To make matters worse, they lost crucial personal belongings, including their phones, passports, and wallets, making it even harder to arrange medical transfers and recovery efforts. Gabriel and Tam’s situation has become an emotional and financial burden, and the road ahead will be a long and challenging one.

We are in communication with DFAT, the embassy, and local authorities to secure emergency passports, and we are urgently working to organize a medical transfer back to Brisbane, Australia, where they can receive the treatment they desperately need.

This is where we need your help. Tam and Gabriel have a long recovery ahead of them, and we want to ensure they have the financial support to focus on healing, without the added stress of financial strain. Their road to recovery won't be brief and regaining normality, to cover things like loss of income for medical appointments and treatments at home and extended time off.

Unfortunately insurance only covers so much when it comes to international medical bills. Further medical treatment and outpatient appointments once they return home, the cost of flights/ loss, emergency passports, replacement of belongings, psychological support, loss of income and without the added pressure of their work circumstances and ongoing care will require significant funds, and any amount you can contribute will make a huge difference.

Even if you're not able to donate, sharing this with your friends and family will help us reach those who can. Every bit counts in bringing them home safe, spreading awareness and supporting them through this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you so much for your generosity, thoughts, and prayers. Your kindness means the world to us, and to Gabriel and Tam!