A 27 year old local seaman has done the country proud by being the winner of an International Maritime award in London, for his bravery at sea.
James Fanifau defied the odds and put his life at risk by rescuing a man in very rough weather conditions.
The incident happened last year, when the former Suva Grammar Student was a fourth engineer aboard the vessel MV Scarlett Lucy when a yacht, Sumatra II, sank in severe weather conditions in the Tasman sea, off the Australian coast.
Australia nominated the Rotuman lad for his selfless act of bravery when he climbed over the side of the MV Scarlet Lucy and saved the life of a 71 year old American, Dr Jerome Morgan, by hauling him to the ship’s cargo net.
His act of bravery was made even more remarkable by the fact that he did not have time to secure a safety harness.
Fanifau said it is an experience he will never forget and receiving the award is a big personal achievement.
He added that from the incident he has learnt the spirit of teamwork among the local seamen cannot be compared with any other.
Fanifau will be hosted at a special reception by the Australian High Commissioner in London before receiving his award next week.
Government representatives, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, paid their final respects and signed the condolence book at the State House this...
2 hours ago
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rainfall is now in force for interior and southeastern part of Viti Levu including Sigatoka through ...
10 minutes ago
Fiji’s agriculture sector has recorded $1.5 million in damage following Tropical Cyclone Vaianu, with the Government rolling out a $5 million ...
12 minutes ago
The University of Fiji has paid tribute to the late former President and UniFiji's former Chancellor, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, describing him as a ...
29 minutes ago
A sugarcane farmer from Tadravula, Seaqaqa is raising concerns about the delay in cane payment saying farmers are facing difficulties due to this ...
29 minutes ago
Fijians will now be able to make seamless, contactless payments using their smartphones following the launch of M-PAISA’s new “Tap Phone to ...
1 hour ago
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva ...
5 hours ago
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging the public to remain alert, prepared, and watch out for one another as Tropical Cyclone ...
7 days ago
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
7 days ago