SEVEN people who went fishing and drifted on Easter Monday have returned home safely.
The situation has prompted a police reminder to boat owners to make the necessary checks and exercise precaution
The seven from Vunivau outside Labasa Town left home about 9am.
"While out at sea, they met another fishing boat and asked the people on board for some fuel. That helped them get to shore where they asked owners of a resort along the way for more fuel," police spokesman northern Luke Rawalai said.
"We are reminding boat owners to always check their supply including fuel before they leave for sea," Mr Rawalai said. One of the passengers, a six-month pregnant woman, was accompanied by her husband, her parents, her sister and the owner of the boat with his wife.
Josefa Rainibonu said on Monday night that his wife sent him a text message on his cellphone.
"She told me that they had run out of fuel and they were drifting. I then called police and informed them and when I tried calling my wife again, the call was diverted," Mr Rainibonu said.
"But now that they are back alive, I thank God for keeping them safe and it's a lesson to learn from," he said.
Police sent out their boat Raivou on Monday night but called off the search after the group returned home.