Passengers aboard the Lady Daya faced an unexpected ordeal when they were suddenly ordered to disembark at Narayan Jetty in Walu Bay, Suva, leaving them stranded overnight. Many of these passengers had traveled from the Western Division, and they expressed their frustration and anxiety over the lack of food, shelter, and communication regarding the ship’s schedule.
The situation became particularly distressing as they awaited updates since 8 PM the previous night. Some passengers, like 79-year-old Ratu Ilitomasi Verenakadavu, lamented the absence of adequate accommodations, recounting how he had to spend the night on a wooden chair while others resorted to sleeping on the ground. With most of their belongings, including essentials, still on the vessel, their circumstances were made worse when the ship departed to another island shortly after they disembarked.
The affected passengers have called on authorities to address this incident promptly to prevent such occurrences in the future. Efforts to reach Goundar Shipping for an explanation have not yet yielded a response.
This incident highlights the importance of effective communication and contingency planning in passenger transport scenarios, serving as a reminder for shipping companies to ensure the welfare of travelers under unforeseen circumstances. It is crucial for authorities to learn from this unfortunate situation to better support passengers in similar situations in the future, ultimately enhancing the travel experience in Fiji.
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