Passengers aboard the Lady Daya faced a frustrating ordeal after being abruptly required to disembark at the Narayan Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva, leaving them stranded overnight. Many of the individuals affected, who had traveled from the Western Division, voiced their dissatisfaction and worry over the lack of food, accommodation, and information regarding their vessel’s schedule.
The situation escalated as passengers waited at the wharf from 8 PM until the following morning, leading to heightened concerns about their treatment. Ratu Ilitomasi Verenakadavu, a 79-year-old passenger, shared his experience, revealing that he had to spend the night resting on a wooden chair due to inadequate accommodations. “We didn’t know where to go. Many of us had to sleep on the ground with no proper arrangements made for us,” he stated.
Adding to their plight, several passengers reported that many of their belongings, including essential items, were still on board the Lady Daya, which continued its journey to another island shortly after the disembarkation.
In light of this distressing situation, the affected passengers are calling on authorities to take immediate action to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future. Attempts to reach Goundar Shipping for clarification on the matter have reportedly gone unanswered.
In summary, while this incident highlights significant gaps in passenger welfare protocols, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of proper communication and contingency planning for transportation services. Authorities have the opportunity to learn from this experience and implement necessary improvements, ensuring better treatment and support for passengers in the future. As communities rally together, there is hope that such challenges can lead to positive changes in the systems that serve them.
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