Passengers aboard the Lady Daya faced a distressing situation when they were unexpectedly asked to disembark at Narayan Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva, leaving them stranded overnight. Many of these individuals, who had traveled from the Western Division, expressed their dissatisfaction and concern as they found themselves without food, shelter, or any information regarding the ship’s schedule.
After waiting at the jetty since 8 PM, the passengers voiced serious concerns about their treatment during this ordeal. Ratu Ilitomasi Verenakadavu, a 79-year-old passenger, shared that he had no choice but to sleep on a wooden chair, as no accommodations were arranged for the stranded travelers. He lamented, “We didn’t know where to go. Many of us had to sleep on the ground with no proper arrangements made for us.”
Further compounding their frustrations was the fact that most of their personal belongings, including vital items, remained on the ship, which departed for another island soon after the passengers were disembarked. The affected individuals urged authorities to address the situation promptly to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Fiji One News has reached out to Goundar Shipping for more details but has yet to receive a response.
This incident highlights the importance of effective communication and contingency planning by service providers to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Such occurrences can serve as a wake-up call for companies to bolster their operational protocols and customer support systems.
Hopefully, this unfortunate event will lead to improved regulations and better coordination in maritime transport, ensuring that passengers are adequately cared for in unforeseen circumstances.
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