A family’s journey home from Christmas holidays turned into a harrowing experience when their fibreglass boat capsized in rough seas. The incident occurred on Thursday morning as Reapi Rokomoti, her husband, and their 10-year-old daughter were on their way back from her husband’s village in Lovoni, Ono-i-Lau.
Leading up to the tragic event, the family had seen a Facebook post about a scheduled boat to Lau, but also a weather warning from the authorities indicating a low-pressure system, leading them to believe the boat’s operation might be postponed. However, the boat set sail despite the perilous conditions.
Recalling the frightening moments, Ms. Rokomoti shared, “There were four of us adults in the boat, and my daughter; the sea was very rough, and waves were high when we left the village that morning.” The boat eventually capsized amid the turbulent waters, separating the family. “I could hear my daughter crying and calling out, ‘dad, mum,’” she said, emphasizing the desperate situation as she encouraged her daughter to hold onto a fibreglass fuel tank.
The family remained in the water for approximately ten minutes before rescuers arrived and brought them aboard the Lomaiviti Princess 12. Despite being shaken and drenched, Ms. Rokomoti expressed her gratitude for the kindness shown by the crew and fellow passengers, who provided food, tea, bedding, and a place to recover. “Truly, God was watching over us. The kindness shown by the crew and passengers was a blessing,” she noted.
This traumatic episode serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of sea travel, particularly under adverse weather conditions. However, the compassion displayed by those around them offers a glimmer of hope in overcoming their ordeal, highlighting the resilience and support that can arise in difficult circumstances. The family’s unforgettable experience will undoubtedly stay with them as a testament to both the challenges of sea travel and the kindness of strangers in times of crisis.
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