It was God’s message for me to save these fishermen who needed help. Saukarasa Ravinasaga had led the rescue mission out to sea near Vomo Island on Saturday morning. He rescued Vishwa Pillay, Ashref Mohammed, and Inoke Qaranivalu.

Their boat capsized during a fishing trip. The men were returning to Lautoka when strong winds and rough seas caused their boat to overturn.

Mr Ravinasaga a diver, left Namara Village in Wayalailai, Yasawa with his family at around 9am on Saturday and was headed back to Lautoka on the fibre boat ‘Tai Soronameca’.

They were at the village for a week. In the boat were Mr Ravinasaga’s father, Josua Mali, his aunt, Asinate Meli, his uncles, Samisoni Wasawasa and Joeli Sauqaqa, his namesake Saukarasa Ravinasaga senior and his three-year-old daughter, Remivani Ravinasaga.

At around 10am he noticed a man (Inoke) waving from the capsized boat.

“When we neared Vomo Island I saw Inoke standing on top of the boat and waving at us so I knew they needed help,” he said.

“I wore my diving suit ready because I knew I had to jump in the water to rescue them.”

“When we got closer, all three men were on top of the boat, one man was naked, one was crying and the other tried to help me get the two men in the boat.”

“I gave my pants to the man who was naked.”

He said the situation was a first and frightening experience for him.

“I thank God for allowing us to travel that way and save three lives,” he added.

A dazed Mohammed Ashref still could not overcome the ordeal he endured over the weekend while out at sea. The Tomuka resident said the three left Lautoka Wharf on Monday for a fishing trip.

On their way to Lautoka strong waves damaged the bottom of the boat allowing sea water inside. He has been a fisherman for 36 years supporting his wife and one child.

“We bailed the water out, but it wasn’t stopping, I rushed to get the life jackets, but it was too late for us to put on,” he said.

“We were out at sea for 20 minutes, I thought this was the end and I was going to die. Inoke and Vishwa were holding me because I don’t know how to swim.”

Mr Ashref said he would not be going back to sea. All three fishermen were grateful to be rescued by Mr Ravinasaga and his family.

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