Birth in The High Seas

In a brave and impressive feat a 27-year-old public health nurse from Vatoa Village in Lau, delivered a baby girl on board the Lomaiviti Princess VI ferry.

The ferry is operated by Goundar Shipping Limited.

The unexpected birth took place early on Sunday, near Gau Island while the ferry was enroute from Vanuavatu to Suva.  any medical equipment with me,” said Mr Salaiwai, reflecting on the urgency of the situation.

An unforgettable experience

The incident started about 4am when Ms Tavudi experienced labour pains. Her relatives looked for Mr Salaiwai by 5am, who was sleeping outside because of overcrowding.

Mr Salaiwai negotiated with the captain to use a passenger room for delivery, despite the nurse’s request for a private space being declined due to limited availability.

Armed with only his training from the Fiji School of Nursing (FSN) and an emergency kit inadequate for childbirth, Mr Salaiwai relied on his knowledge and the assistance of passengers.

“I used a string lying on the boat to tie the baby’s umbilical cord,” he described, illustrating the improvisation required during the delivery.

Fellow passengers contributed scissors, diapers, clothes, and towels for the newborn.

The birth, occurring at 5:20am, was a community effort, with women on board holding clothes to provide privacy and comfort during the process.

“I was shocked at first, but I realised there was no one else to deliver the baby,” Mr Salaiwai admitted, acknowledging the pressure and responsibility he felt at that moment.

I was so emotional and thanked God after I safely delivered the baby. I am still amazed by the circumstances that led me to be on that specific ferry at that time,” he shared.

He believed it was divine intervention that postponed his leave, placing him there to help Ms Tavudi.

The mother and the newborn, who weighed 3kg, were rushed to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital upon the ferry’s arrival at Port Mua-i-Walu in Suva at 1:30pm.

They are recovering well.

Mr Salaiwai said the heroic actions and the support of the passengers demonstrated the spirit of cooperation and resilience that define moments of crisis.

Minister for Health

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu praised Mr Salaiwai for his heroic act.

“While I commend Salaiwai for the safe delivery, it must be noted that as per policy of the Ministry, pregnant mothers are usually referred well before their due date to deliver in a safe and easy access environment to tertiary care should the need arise.

It is not the practice to be sending them very close to their due date,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

He said this was a guideline that had been in existence for a long time. However, he said the ministry only sent capable staff to look after their health centres and nursing stations.

“Staff are trained to do emergency work and also do delivery when the need arises. In this case, Staff Salaiwai had done well in view of the situation that was before him.”

Meanwhile, Ms Tavudi thanked Mr Salaiwai and other women who helped in the delivery.

“There was nothing else that came to my mind when I started experiencing pain. All I wanted was to give birth,” she said.

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