Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
4 April, 2026, 7:58 am
Central - 26°C Rain
4 April, 2026, 7:58 am Central - 26°C Rain

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
Tabuya assures no fuel shortage, Fiji National Fuel Emergency Action Plan activated
Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, has assured Fijians that there is currently no fuel shortage in ...
12 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Fijian Drua outclassed by the Crusaders 69-26
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua were outclassed by the Crusaders 69-26 in round 8 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.The Crusaders ...
12 hours ago

Tabuya assures no fuel shortage, Fiji National Fuel Emergency Action Plan activated
Minister for Information, Lynda Tabuya speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, has assured Fijians that there is currently no fuel shortage in ...
12 hours ago

1,414 students with autism enrolled across Fiji’s education system
A total of 1,414 students with autism are currently enrolled across Fiji’s education system.The update was shared as Fiji joined the global ...
15 hours ago

Heavy rain alert remains in force for whole of Fiji
A heavy rain alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a trough of low pressure lies over Fiji, and associated cloud, ...
15 hours ago

Felix Anthony recounts intimidation and abuse during coups
The General Secretary for the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony, appeared before the Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission, sharing his ...
15 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 ...
29 days ago

TOP