Passengers aboard the Lady Daya experienced an unexpected ordeal when they were ordered to disembark the ship and left stranded overnight at the Narayan Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva. Many individuals had traveled from the Western Division and expressed their dismay over the lack of communication and arrangements following the disembarkation.
The situation left passengers without food, shelter, or any information regarding the ship’s schedule, leading to considerable frustration. Among them was 79-year-old Ratu Ilitomasi Verenakadavu, who reported having to sleep on a wooden chair due to the absence of accommodation options. “We didn’t know where to go. Many of us had to sleep on the ground with no proper arrangements,” he shared.
Adding to their predicament, several passengers lamented that essential belongings were still on board as the vessel departed for another island shortly after they were ordered off. They are now calling on authorities to resolve the issue swiftly and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Fiji One News has reached out to Goundar Shipping for clarification on the incident but has yet to receive a reply.
This distressing experience highlights the need for better communication and contingency planning for passengers in unforeseen situations. It serves as a reminder for shipping companies to prioritize passenger welfare and establish clear protocols to handle emergencies effectively.
Regardless of the unfortunate circumstances, passengers can take solace knowing that such incidents may lead to improvements in operations and customer service in the future. Authorities and organizations involved may become more aware of the necessity for customer care, ensuring that travelers are treated with respect and dignity moving forward.
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