Tension was high as some passengers made frantic phone calls to tell family members they were encountering a horrific ordeal on the high seas enroute to Kadavu on the MV Liahona II yesterday.

The vessel had lost its ramp as it headed for Kadavu island.

On board the vessel Ratu Deve Vosawale with his three sons who were on their way to spend Easter weekend at Kadavu Village in Naceva District.

The vessel departed Port Muaiwalu on Thursday at 11.15pm bound for Vunisea, Kadavu, with 121 passengers and 10 crew members.

Ratu Deve said at about 3am yesterday, the vessel lost its ramp “because of the rough waves”.

“Tension was high and passengers were scared, but the crew members were very helpful,” he said.

He added that the crew constantly advised them on the progress of the situation and this kept them calm.

“They showed us how to use life jackets if the situation got worse.”

Ratu Deve also added that there was relief all around when the Navy vessel RFNS Kikau arrived to guide the vessel to safety.

Ratu Deve along with much relieved passengers was thankful that they were all safe when they disembarked at the Naleca Jetty in Kavala Bay.

Edited by Percy Kean

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun.com.fj