Six Fijians found clinging to planks of wood after 36 hours lost at sea

Six Fijian health workers have survived 36 hours adrift at sea after their boat capsized in remote waters in Lau Province.The workers embarked at 7am Wednesday from Moce, in eastern Fiji, in what should have been a simple two-hour journey to nearby island Oneata to deliver medical aid.But the crew experienced engine failure in choppy conditions, forcing the fibreglass boat to take on water and eventually capsize.It is understood survivors applied life jackets and clung to planks of wood that had been the vessel's seats to stay together. (Supplied)They put on life jackets and clung to planks of wood that had served as the vessel's seats to stay together.It is understood the captain then attempted to swim to a nearby island for help and was found 24 hours later by a search party that had been dispatched after the crew failed to arrive at Oneata.He informed rescuers about the remaining survivors, who were located at 7pm Thursday after a day-and-a-half in open ocean."It was only when we were rescued onto the vessel that we realised how weak and helpless we truly were," assistant dental officer Viliame Sama said.The Fiji Navy said the incident was reported on Wednesday, prompting an immediate multi-agency response involving the Fiji Police Force and the New Zealand Defence Force.But it was the crew of local Goundar Shipping Services vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 12, who found the survivors near a small island 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres) off Lau's capital island, Lakeba.The Lomaiviti Princess 12 was coincidently captained by a man who was a former classmate of one of the survivors."They have all been rescued safely and are being transported to Lakeba, where they will undergo medical checks before the vessel continues its scheduled voyage," Goundar Shipping Services owner George Goundar told local media.Lomaiviti Princess 12 found the survivors near a small island off Lakeba. (Supplied: Fiji Times)Mr Goundar commended the crew of the Lomaiviti Princess 12 for their professionalism and dedication during the rescue operation."Our crew once again demonstrated their commitment and expertise during what was a challenging situation," he said.In a statement, Fiji's Navy thanked the mariners and vessels operating in the area who responded promptly and supported the search effort.The navy paid special acknowledgement to Adriano Rabolabiu, the captain of Lomaiviti Princess 12, who attended high school with one of the survivors, Viliame Sama.Viliame Sasa, pictured left, was rescued by a vessel captained by Adriano Rabolabiu. (Supplied)Meanwhile, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MASF) also extended its gratitude, saying the incident reinforced the importance of maritime safety awareness and compliance for all who relied on sea transport.The six survivors, who consisted of a doctor, dentist, nurse, dental assistant, health inspector and peer educator, were a medical outreach team based on Lakeba.The ABC understands they were travelling on a vessel commonly used for inter-island travel, however it was not carrying a beacon, radio telephone or flares.The six survivors consisted of a doctor, dentist, nurse, dental assistant, health inspector and peer educator. (Supplied)The MSAF said it would "look into the incident in due course"."MSAF remains committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Ministry of Education to strengthen safety practices and improve maritime awareness across communities and frontline personnel," it said.