Enjoy Fiji, but avoid isolated Tailevu
by BW Media on 12 May 2008
Snorkelling in Fiji SW
'Avoid that isolated anchorage, as there is no security,' is the advice from Fijians after an attack in Tailevu.
However, Fijians have responded strongly to suggestions that the pristine waters and snorkelling paradise of Fiji have become dangerous for cruising sailors. As reported recently by Sail-World, two Australians were attacked and robbed in the early hours of the morning while sleeping in their boat in Tailevu.
Brian Kevin, 62, and Doda Coraly, 59, of the Gold Coast in Australia were on board their private yacht moored off at the Natovi Jetty when the incident
took place.The couple, who received minor injuries were taken to the Korovou Hospital and later released.
The Fijian community was horrified by the attack, which is being followed by the Fijian police and they say that the perpetrators are known to them.
Tailevu is located on the eastern coastline of Viti Levu, the 'wet side'. The main cruising grounds of Fiji are on the far western coastal areas of the popular cruising destination.
Robin Irwin, of Savusavu Marina Village, expressed his frustration with the bad publicity that followed the attack: 'What can I say? It was in an isolated anchorage close to what can be described as 'bush country'. However there is no excuse. It is true that the coup and its effects has made a lot of young people out of work on that island.'
Milika Marshall, of the well known Vuda Marina said yesterday, 'What happened is very unfortunate but we view this as an isolated and rare incident.
'It occured at a remote location rarely visited by locals or visitiors.
'The perpetrators were opportunists and the industry, Fiji Marine Operators Committee is taking steps to see that they are severely punished. As an industry this is a shocking incident and we as a committee will work together on to prevent any similar incidents occuring. '
She went on to say that 'Perhaps the anchorage should be avoided as there is no security there or nearby.'
Founder of the popular Musket Cove and long time Fijian identity Dick Smith has also weighed in, saying that, in spite of the remoteness of the location of the incident and the unusualness of the attack, marine operators in Fiji were shocked by the incident. They were now taking steps to improve their cohesiveness and influence in the community towards a safer and more cruiser-friendly Fiji.
There are political tensions in Fiji, and a military regime is in power at the moment. This, however, normally does not impact on the enjoyment of cruising sailors, and is not considered to be related to the incident on Tailevu.
Fiji's military leader Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a coup in December 2006, also said Fiji was a safe travel destination. News.com quoted him as saying 'I must say how disturbed I was to have heard about what happened to Mr Brian and Jan Dodds of Brisbane on their yacht cruise to Fiji. I can assure them that those involved will be taken to task by the authorities. To single out that incident and use it as a weapon to attack our tourist industry is pointless and outright misleading. I encourage the yachties to continue visiting Fiji in numbers,' he said.
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