It is heart-breaking to read about how families of the nine men, who vanished at sea near Kadavu, say they are now accepting their loved ones will not return.
That tears at the heart. It will inch out emotions.
The families say they have begun preparations for traditional farewell rites.
Among them is Asena Vakaruru, the wife of the late Maciu Niubalavu, who said the reality of the tragedy is slowly sinking in as arrangements are made for the ‘burua’ (a traditional funeral feast or a specific offering of food).
Despite her acceptance of the reality of her situation, Mrs Vakaruru continues to struggle with disbelief following the maritime incident.
“It is all happening so fast that I don’t believe they are really gone,” she said.
“I am sad mainly for my children and my sisters whose husbands were among the nine men.”
The men are Osea Vakaruru and his three sons Lemeki Tikoitoga, Savenaca Balenatuvu, Julian Tavola, Pita Kinikini, Esekaia Boladuadua, Mateo Tikoitoga, Sitiveni Tekivakatini and Mr Niubalavu.
As relatives come to terms with their loss, Mrs Vakaruru acknowledges the emotional burden remains overwhelming as preparations continue for a memorial service.
A mass is scheduled for 9am on Friday at the Raiwaqa Catholic Church.
Support has poured in from friends, relatives, church groups, Columban priests, Pacific Regional Seminary brothers and parish members, offering prayers.
A soli, or community offering, will also be held at Nanuku Settlement in Vatuwaqa, Suva, to support the families, especially the women and children who depended on the nine men as their primary providers.
Perhaps this tragedy should never have happened.
Accepting such a harsh reality is never easy though. Yet circumstances have led to this outcome. It is sad to note that the families may never truly understand what happened. They are left to wonder about the final moments before the men’s fibreglass boat was found drifting at sea.
What did they face? What thoughts crossed their minds? What went wrong?
As we reflect on their lives, and the uncertainty, fear and vulnerability gripping their families now, there are lessons to be learnt. Let’s face it! Those who venture out to sea must place safety as a priority.
Life is fragile and can change in an instant.
Water safety is important.
That means ensuring vessels are seaworthy before departure. It means having life jackets for every passenger, reliable communication tools, GPS tracking devices and emergency supplies readily accessible. It also demands close attention to real-time weather updates before and during every journey.
These are basic measures designed to save lives.
Nine men are missing. Their families are grieving. Their futures have been altered forever as they search for closure.
This tragedy must serve as a strong reminder that the sea gives, but it can also take. We are saddened by the turn of events, however, we owe it to those lost, and to those who still sail, to treat every journey with the seriousness it deserves!
