More than 100 residents are currently stranded on Nayau Island in Lau, struggling to return to Viti Levu after their Christmas and New Year celebrations. Concerns have been raised by District Officer Luke Karavaki, who noted that many affected have not received information about vessel schedules, leaving families uncertain about their travel plans.
A vessel did arrive at Nayau shortly after New Year’s; however, it was already at full capacity and could not take on all those waiting to travel back. Karavaki informed that the next potential sailing may not happen until the end of the month, complicating matters for families who are preparing for the school term and for those working in Viti Levu who need to return promptly.
Residents are urgently appealing to the government for immediate assistance to address their situation. Efforts to gather information from shipping operators have indicated that there is presently no confirmed schedule for sailing to the island. Inquiries regarding the matter have been directed to the Minister for Transport.
Despite these challenges, the community’s resilience shines through, as their calls for immediate action could lead to a quicker response from authorities. The unity and perseverance of the residents during this trying time reflect their collective hope for a prompt resolution to their predicament.