Vasiti Wasa, 43, was a happy woman last night after she was told that her husband Jone Naviritalai, 45, made it alive to shore.

Mr Naviritalai was among six men who were reported missing after leaving Yadua Village in Gau on Wednesday afternoon and were later found yesterday afternoon near Nasilai beach in Tailevu. They swam safely to shore.

According to Ms Wasa, the six included her husband Mr Naviritalai, Akuila Verelawa, Samuela, Jone, Marika and Ilaitia Gauna who was captain of the boat.

Speaking from Vadravadra in Gau, Ms Wasa said the six were travelling on board a fiberglass boat powered by a 75Horse Power engine with sacks of fish that they were supposed to sell in Suva.

Vasiti Wasa with daughter, Sera Ciri.

They were supposed to return to the village with their groceries and other shopping.

“The boat was overloaded which resulted in it sinking,” she said.

“This is a big lesson to all of us that we should not be overloading fibreglass boats when travelling.

“We thank the Lord for protecting them throughout the night till this afternoon.”

Police confirmed that the six were safe.

The Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre assisted in the search efforts by deploying an aerial search team.

Edited by Percy Kean

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