REPUBLIC of Fiji Navy operations officer Commander Timoci Natuva is calling on seafarers to take extra precautions when travelling through Fiji waters.
The advisory follows the recent rescue of three Germans off the coast of Kadavu last Thursday.
He said while the three survivors were pleased to be on safe ground again, sailors should be aware of weather reports.
“We wish to remind seafarers to heed the weather warnings and take precautions when venturing to sea,” he said.
The Fiji Times had reported last Friday on the rescue efforts of the Navy and Joyce Aviation.
Cdr Natuva said the naval officers had responded to a call for assistance from the International Maritime Coordinating Centre based in the United States on Thursday.
“The RFNS Kikau departed the same evening,” he said.
“They managed to conduct the rescue on Friday and finally returned to Suva on Saturday.
“The vessel was rescued about 150 (miles) north west of Kadavu.
“It took Kikau 13 hours to reach the vessel. A flight was sent yesterday (Friday) to help locate the yacht.
“The three survivors were pleased to be saved and conveyed their sincere appreciation to RFNS Kikau.”
Meanwhile, Fiji Meteorological Service director Mikaele Funaki said the northern parts of the country had been affected by a slow moving trough of low pressure.
“As such showers will continue to be experienced over Vanua Levu, the eastern and interior part of Viti Levu and nearby smaller islands,” he said.
