Six Fijians found clinging to planks of wood after 36 hours lost at sea

Six Fijian health workers survived 36 hours adrift after their fibreglass boat capsized in remote waters in Lau Province. They set off at 7am Wednesday from Moce, eastern Fiji, aiming for a two-hour trip to Oneata to deliver medical aid, but suffered engine failure in choppy conditions, took on water, and capsized. The crew used life jackets and clung to planks that had served as seats. The captain attempted to swim for help and was found 24 hours later by a search party, which then located the remaining survivors by 7pm Thursday. The Fiji Navy coordinated a multi-agency response with the New Zealand Defence Force. A local vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 12, found them 11 nautical miles (20 km) off Lakeba and transported them for medical checks before continuing its voyage.