‘Kadavulevu’ boat mishap shares sad memories of 1964

Listen to this article:

Viliame Qelo’s family with the Tui Levuka Ratu Seru Rokotuinaceva at the anniversary at the family reunion and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Kadavulevu sea disaster at Levuka Vakaviti Village in Ovalau. Picture: SUPPLIED

The last living survivor of one of Fiji’s worst sea disaster which killed 89 passengers when the vessel Kadavulevu capsized in Lomaiviti waters during the Easter weekend of 1964 says the Christian holiday will always remain a sad time for him.

Viliame Qelo,74, of Wellington, New Zealand was one of three people who survived the sea tragedy when he was plucked from seas of the Rewa Coastline, near Nasoata Island.

“I will never forget that horrific night,” Mr Qelo told the Fiji Times.

“It’s been 60 years since the tragedy but something remains fresh on my mind.

Mr Qelo and his family are currently in Levuka, Ovalau where they are attening a family reunion and commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the 1964 even.

Today’s (yesterday) reunion events included a church service, sevusevu presentation, boka ceremony (presentation for unattended funerals of deceased relatives), the dedication of two church lali donated by the Qelo family  and a huge feast followed by grog session.

Buy a copy of your Sunday Times to read more about it.