Love for family and faith in God was what kept Neeru Christopher, 33, and Areieta Tiaon, 32, alive during their four-day ordeal at sea.
The pair was fishing near Beqa Island when they encountered engine problems and it started to rain heavily.
“We had caught some tuna and yellowfin but we were forced to throw it away as the sea became rough and water entered our fibreglass boat,” Mr Christopher said.
“Our boat capsized around Solo Rock Lighthouse so that’s when we made a break and swam for an uninhabited island nearby at 8pm on Saturday.”
They were tossed around by rough seas along the Great Astrolabe Reef and received cuts and abrasions.
“At daylight, we could see the main island of Kadavu and Areieta offered to swim across and seek help from villagers (of Dravuni, Kadavu).”
Mr Christopher, a father of four, and Mr Tiaon, a father of two, said the faces of their loved ones never left their minds during the terrifying experience.
“We just wanted to get home safe and see our children and spouses’ faces again.”
The pair’s uncle, Fred Christopher, paid tribute to the people of Dravuni for their hospitality towards his nephews.
“We also thank the Fiji Police Force and everyone involved in the search operations.”
