Six fishermen bravely endured a challenging situation at sea after their fishing vessel, Antwan, ran aground close to Suva on Tuesday night, prompting them to leave the ship. The crew members, including Joseva Veremalua, Sanaila Mudunavosa, Jone Vakarewa, Kameli Matai, Joseva Tagi, and Marika Soko, managed to arrive safely at Naitonitoni in Navua using a life raft, and they are currently recovering in Suva.
The incident unfolded after the Antwan, owned by Saheb Holdings Ltd, set sail from Suva earlier that week. Bad weather conditions forced the crew to seek refuge near Beqa Island. While out fishing on Tuesday night, the boat encountered rough seas that caused it to run onto a reef. Captain Jone Vakarewa described the terrifying moment when the vessel began taking on water and listing dangerously.
In the midst of the chaos, the crew made an emergency distress call for help. Captain Vakarewa recalled a poignant moment when he was told to hold on, only to respond that they were about to abandon the ship. They ultimately found themselves fortunate as the wind and current carried them ashore, although fear and panic were evident among the crew during the ordeal.
The fishermen had scarcely slept, having spent the previous night at Wailada. Fortunately, all six men were unharmed and were confirmed fit after examination at Navua Hospital around 2 am. Sheik Saheb, president of Saheb Holdings Ltd, expressed gratitude that the life raft was fully equipped with flares, allowing them to adhere to Marine Department standards, which played a vital role in ensuring the crew’s safety.
The search for the fishermen was facilitated by the efforts of harbour master Captain Malcolm Peckham, along with assistance from navy officers and vessels. While they were searching at sea during the night, no flares or visible signs indicated the presence of survivors; however, Captain Vakarewa reported seeing lights that suggested help was on the way.
A separate team has been dispatched to assess the damage to the Antwan, signifying a proactive approach to ensuring safety and preventative measures for future outings.
Despite the harrowing experience, the survival of the crew stands as a testament to their resilience and the importance of maritime safety protocols, reminding us that with careful preparation and adherence to safety measures, lives can be saved in moments of crisis.
In summary, the fishermen’s survival showcases human resilience in the face of nature’s challenges, while also highlighting the significance of proper safety equipment and emergency response efforts.
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