Rogoyawa Saku, of Lami, considers himself ‘lucky to be alive’ after he drifted out at sea for 18 hours before reaching land.

The Nukuloa, Gau, native was not the only one drifting among the rough seas at the night; he had 10 relatives with him.

“I thought I am going to die,” he said.

“This was the most horrific experience of my life. I am so thankful to God for saving my life.”

Mr Saku still recalls when they got onboard their fibreglass boat, loaded it with food and set sail for Suva on July 1. They were on their way to watch the Chiefs-Crusaders Super Rugby match at the ANZ Stadium, but difficulties struck.

“We left at 8am on Friday morning hoping to time the match in the afternoon,” he said.

He said the rough seas and rain resulted in their boat capsising and they soon realised they were stranded in open waters somewhere between Gau and Ovalau.

“We used one ice ski and three oil containers and took turns using it to stay afloat. We started swimming in a group to be safe, but the huge waves and strong currents separated us.”

Mr Saku said he was only thinking of his family at that point.

“I was tired of swimming for hours, my legs were numb. I couldn’t see anyone. I called out to my uncle Meli to leave me behind and send my regards to my family,’’ Mr Saku said.

He said it had already gotten dark, he was helpless and thought that was the end of his life.

“I heard my uncle’s voice from a mile away saying to keep breathing and he was swimming back to help me,” he said.

“It was a miracle for me when my uncle found his way to me in the dark. I am thankful to my uncle for saving my life.”

The 28-year-old said they swam for 18 hours until they saw Ovalau Island when the sun rose the next morning.

“It was only five of us that made it to the beach at Vitogo Village. At that time we were not aware if the other six who were with us were dead or alive,” he said.

“A lady was sitting at the beach at 4am and we told her our story. The lady took us to the village and a man offered us food, shelter and clothing.

“The villagers heard on the news that there was a search party looking for us. They alerted the Police that five were safe in the village.”

They were relieved when the Police told them that his other six family members were safe in another village nearby.

He said they were re-united with the other six relatives the next morning and were happy to greet their families in Suva.

“It was a turning point of my life. I believe God has taught me a lesson,” he said.

“It was a punishment for my rebellious act since I was not taking part in church.”

Despite the horrific experience all eleven did get to watch a replay of the Chief-Crusaders rugby match on television.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

Feedback:  christine.nikola@fijisun.com.fj