Three fishermen from Ba, who had been missing at sea, were successfully rescued by a Feeders Fiji Ltd fishing vessel after a harrowing ordeal lasting several days. The fishermen—Patrick Gerrish, Shalen Narayan, and Bisun Prasad—were found 27 miles northwest of Viwa in Yasawa, exhausted but thankful.
Recalling their difficult experience, Mr. Gerrish expressed the despair they felt during the long days adrift. “We had lost all hope and hardly talked while on the boat except to pray,” he noted. Upon spotting the rescuing vessel, they waved frantically, overwhelmed with relief after drifting for seven or eight days without any signs of life. Their supplies, initially meant to last three days, had dwindled to almost nothing, as they were surviving on rice and water.
Despite their struggle, they expressed deep gratitude to the crew of the Feeders vessel, especially after they had sacrificed $600 worth of fish on their first day as they sought to preserve ice. The fishermen had set out in a 26-foot half-cabin vessel powered by a 40-horsepower Yamaha engine, which unfortunately developed mechanical issues.
Cama Rogo, the captain of the fishing vessel that rescued them, shared how they initially mistook the fishermen’s signals for an attempt to steal their catch. However, recognizing the situation, they quickly provided assistance, emphasizing the importance of their timely rescue, especially considering the inclement weather conditions.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the vital role of community and cooperation in times of distress. While the fishermen faced a dire situation, their survival and subsequent rescue reflect hope and the kindness of strangers.
Overall, this incident highlights the importance of preparation and awareness when engaging with the sea, as well as the power of camaraderie and support in overcoming life’s challenges.
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