SERVICE by boat in Vanua Levu has been operating to fulfil the needs of the people across Taveuni, Buca Bay, Rabi Island, villagers in Savusavu and Labasa.
The Taveuni Princess was built by Latchman Prasad and it has been serving the people for the past 52 years by transporting cargo, goods and food products such as dalo and grog to other islands.
Captain and daughter of ship owner, Soniya Thackeir said at times, the boat had to make two trips. “At times we have quite a lot of passengers which means that we have to make two trips but our major services are now, Taveuni, Natuvu in Savusavu and Labasa,” she said.
“Our vessel passenger limit is 120 and the distance travelled takes only an hour and ten minutes. We also make sure that passengers not only get to their destination on time but they are safe while travelling.”
The company also has an express bus for those that travel to Labasa and their daily boat departure time is 8am from Taveuni and it arrives in Natuvu at 9.05am.
She adds the Taveuni Princess operates six days a week except for Saturdays being their family Sabbath day.
For the love of her family and their business, Mrs Thackeir said one of the reasons she came back from overseas was because of her dad.
“I came here back from Australia to continue this family business because of dad, his age but here I find this boat servicing business very interesting and I love the job and the sea. My dad is also a boat Captain and I guess that is also another reason why I love this job.”
She adds some of the challenges she faces during a rough and rugged trip is handling drunkards on board and being a lady sea pilot. “Some people use to have second thoughts when they see me running the boat but I guess we’re all settled now.”
The Taveuni Princess has been operating to provide services from Taveuni to Suva, carrying passengers and cargos such as dalo and grog from Taveuni and from Suva (shops goods).