Savenaca Kadave, a seasoned ship captain with 39 years of experience, provided crucial testimony as a defense witness in the trial of Tevita Qaqa Kapawale at the High Court in Suva. Kapawale is faced with serious allegations, including attempted murder and criminal intimidation, stemming from an incident on the fishing boat MV Tiro II in May 2021.
In his statement, Kadave refuted claims made by the prosecution, asserting that survival beyond ten hours in a fishing hold is not feasible. He maintained that limited airflow could allow a person to endure the situation for roughly two hours, but beyond that, survival would be highly improbable. Furthermore, Kadave expressed doubts about the prosecution’s narrative that the fish hold could fill with water and keep the vessel afloat without intentional action, highlighting the ship’s structural design as a counterpoint.
Kadave’s insights aim to undermine the testimonies of prosecution witnesses, including that of survivor Kaminieli Tucama, who described locking himself in the engine room for nearly 30 hours during the crisis. This defense strategy seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding the incidents aboard the MV Tiro II.
The trial has garnered significant public interest due to its implications for maritime safety and accountability, focusing on the welfare of crew members in challenging environments. As the defense prepares to call two additional witnesses, there is a shared hope within the community for justice and clarity regarding the events that transpired on the vessel. The ongoing legal discussions underscore the critical necessity for enhanced safety protocols in the fishing industry, which could lead to reforms aimed at better protecting those who work at sea.
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