Six fishermen endured a harrowing experience at sea after their vessel, the Antwan, ran aground near Suva on Tuesday night, prompting an emergency evacuation. The crew members, identified as Joseva Veremalua, Sanaila Mudunavosa, Jone Vakarewa, Kameli Matai, Joseva Tagi, and Marika Soko, managed to reach safety in a life raft, later recovering in Suva.
The fishing boat, owned by Saheb Holdings Ltd, departed from Suva earlier that same week. Following a bout of severe weather, the crew took refuge near Beqa Island. Unfortunately, rough seas struck while they were fishing, causing the boat to become stranded on a reef.
Captain Jone Vakarewa recounted the tense moments as the ship started to take on water and list dangerously. In a desperate move, they issued a distress call, but the situation escalated quickly, leading to the decision to abandon ship. “We were lucky the wind and current brought us to shore; otherwise, we could be anywhere now,” said Captain Vakarewa, capturing the fear and tension felt by the crew during the ordeal.
Following their rescue, the fishermen received medical checks at Navua Hospital and were reported to be unharmed. Sheik Saheb, the president of Saheb Holdings Ltd, expressed relief over their safety, crediting the life raft’s safety equipment and adherence to Marine Department standards for helping ensure their return.
In the search and rescue efforts, the patrol boat Kikau and the container vessel Forum Samoa were deployed to locate the missing crew members shortly after 9 PM on Tuesday. Despite not spotting any flares or signs of distress, Captain Vakarewa noted that his crew saw lights in the distance, indicating that help was on the way.
Though a pilot boat had ventured out the day before to survey for the Antwan’s remains, rough seas hindered any close inspection. A team will soon be organized to assess the damage to the ship.
This event highlights the importance of safety measures at sea and the coordination of rescue efforts that can lead to successful outcomes in life-threatening situations. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of individuals facing emergencies and the commitment of local services to support them.
In summary, this dramatic rescue underlines the crucial role that preparation and teamwork play during maritime accidents, offering hope that safety protocols continue to evolve for the protection of fishermen and seafarers alike.
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