After Christmas day had turned out dreadful for some Yasawa villagers who were travelling out at sea, boat operators and captains are being urged to be cautious.

The villagers were travelling in a fibreglass boat when they encountered an engine breakdown in the open sea.

Nacula district spokesperson, Lavenia Naivalu who was travelling in another boat came to their rescue.

“On Christmas morning we were on our way to Lautoka, when we encountered an incident right in the open sea.”

“A fibreglass boat has been stuck with few adult passengers and two children,” she said.

“They were making their way to spend Christmas on another island when the engine of the boat they were travelling in had a breakdown.”

The boat with the engine challenge was towed to Lautoka.

Ms Naivalu said she was concerned when she heard their cries for help.

“When we came near the boat, I saw the two little children with their mothers and that really moved me. Also there were few other adult passengers in the boat,” she said.

Ms Naivalu said they assisted them in towing the boat to Marou Village.

“It could have turned out to be a sad Christmas for them and their family if they were not rescued.”

Ms Naivalu had posted her concern on social media urging boat captains to be mindful of their passengers.

“During Christmas, we faced some bad weather out at sea. I am urging the boat captains, to please be cautious when taking passengers and loading their cargoes in the boats.

“It is my plea that this incident not happen again. Always be prepared with your tools to fix any problem that happens out at sea. Be mindful of your passengers, especially the children,” she added.
Feedback: mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj