Resort staff rescue drifting fishermen
Friday August 24, 2007

Staff from a popular resort in Sigatoka - Robinson Crusoe early this morning rescued three fishermen from Cuvu village who drifted out to sea after the engine on their punt broke down late yesterday.

Resort director, Wayne Latter told Fijilive that the men were lucky to be found after surviving strong winds and rough seas throughout the night.

"They had developed some problem with the engine while on a fishing trip so they could not return to mainland and drifted," he said.

Latter said two men had swum ashore and reported the matter to the resort at around 2am this morning.

He said a rescue team was quickly put together and a search and rescue team was sent out for look for the fishermen.

He said the three men were found at around 5.30am drifting in Nadi waters.

"They were exhausted and shivering from the cold because it was also raining all throughout the night," Latter said.

"They were very lucky because the current was actually taking them further out to sea and that would have been a problem for us because we had a hard time looking for them."

Latter also praised his staff for the swift action and determination in trying to locate the men.

"This is our second rescue attempt in two months and we will continue to do our best to help those in need," he said.

Latter said the men were safe and well and had returned home to Cuvu village in Nadroga.