Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
15 March, 2026, 5:52 am
Central - 23°C Clouds
15 March, 2026, 5:52 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Baleca explores Antarctica and aims to inspire Fijian female mariners

Baleca explores Antarctica and aims to inspire Fijian female mariners

By Cindy Chand
11/04/2024
Fijian seafarer, Naina Baleca shares her experience exploring Antarctica on social media where many proud Fijians and Pacific Islanders have been cheering her on. (Supplied: Naina Baleca)

Naina Baleca is one of the ‘coolest’ Fijians as she is currently travelling around the frozen continent of Antarctica for her Nautical Science Diploma studies with the New Zealand Maritime School.

The former Fijiana 7s rugby player and a seafarer says everything about Antarctica is unreal.

She has seen penguins, whales, only a handful of sunsets, and massive icebergs.

Baleca says coming from a small Pacific country, it's the biggest achievement in her life.

She says setting up a path for female seafarers is another feeling that she cannot explain and she is just making everyone proud back home.

Baleca says that it is her dream to obtain her officer's ticket and in maybe five or 10 years, become the captain of a "big, big ship".

She wants to set an example for the younger generations, as well as inspire more women to join the maritime industry.

The former player urges people to embrace the adventure and excitement that comes with a career at sea.

Balenca’s comments on social media are filled with messages from proud Fijians and Pacific Islanders from all over the world cheering her on.

Source: ABC

FEATURE NEWS
NY 7s: Fiji beat Great Britain 24-19 to keep Series title hopes alive
The Fiji Airways Men's National 7s side defeated Great Britain 24-19 in their second match to keep their World Sevens Series title hopes alive.Vuiviwa...
15 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Nasinu resident raises concern over daylight robberies in Manikoso settlement
A resident of Nasinu has raised concerns about daylight robberies occurring in the settlement, saying that homes are being broken into while owners ...
13 hours ago

Flooding after Cyclone Urmil causes fruit and vegetable shortage in Ba Market
Ba market vendors are currently facing a shortage of fruits and vegetables following flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Urmil.Ba Market Vendors ...
13 hours ago

Man charged for allegedly selling gun used in Virginia university shooting
A man has been charged for allegedly selling a gun to the suspect who opened fire at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, killing one person ...
16 hours ago

Fijians in Middle East safe, Ministry continues to monitor situation
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade continues to monitor developments in the Middle East as the situation across the region evolves, ...
18 hours ago

Nadivakarua Women’s Group fish pond project aims to improve food security
Villagers of Nadivakarua in Kubulau, Bua, were assisted by the Ministry of Fisheries, Fiji Aquaculture team in the Northern Division, who recently ...
18 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
9 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
16 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
16 days ago

TOP