Survivors of the inter-island vessel MV Uluilakeba and marine department cutter MV Makogai that capsized in Lau waters on December 10, 1973, shared about their ordeal during the official book launch of the Na Veitawasei Vakaciriloloma Kei Na Qalo Bula in Suva last week.
The author, former school teacher Sunia Digova Lesivou, said he was one of the survivors of the vessel Makogai.
“The book consists of stories from survivors of the Uluilakeba and Makogai and this is to also pay tribute to the lives that were lost in those tragedies,” he said.
“We decided to launch the book today (10/12/2021) because it marks 48 years since the tragic accident happened.
“Gathered here are the descendants of people who lost their lives on that day.”
Chief guest Assistant iTaukei Affairs Minister Selai Adimaitoga said it was rare to see iTaukei people publishing books in their language. She said the tragic incident shook the whole country and the scars still remained for people who had lost their loved ones.
During Cyclone Lottie, 54 people died when the 212-tonne inter-island ship Uluilakeba sank in southern Lau waters and 30 people perished when the Makogai went down in waters between Vatoa and Ogea.
