The Pilgrimage of Tuaikaepau ended at Minerva Reef

Tuaikaepau was a twenty-ton cutter, 51 feet (16 m) length, clipper bow, keeler, designed by Archibald Logan and built by Logan Brothers of Auckland, New Zealand and launched in 1903.

On July 4, 1962, the 51foot former Sailing Boat called the Tuaikaepau was set to make a Voyage from Tongatapu to New Zealand where the Boat was set to get some needed repairs.

In charge of the 1,050 Nautical-Mile voyage, was Master Captain Tevita Fifita. Also included in his Crew were:

Tevita Uaisele (Carpenter)
Fine Feuiaki (Engineer)
Ve'etutu Pahulu (Mate)
Sateki Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son)
Talo Fifita (Deckhand, also Captain's Son)
Sione Lousi (Deckhand)

In addition to the Crew were several other Passengers, which included several local Boxers who were looking to make a name for themselves while in New Zealand. Included were:

Fatai Efiafi (Passenger)
Vaiangina Unga (Copra Planter)
Viliame Fa'onuku (Carpenter)
Teiapa'a Bloomfield (Taxi Driver)
Soakai Pulu (Boxer/Coach)
Fetaiaki Pulu (Boxer)
Sione Sikimeti (Boxer)
Sipa Fine Sekona (Boxer)
Finau Laione Sekona (Boxer)
Sosaia Finefeuiaki (Boxer)

On the second day of the Voyage, the Tuaikaepau suddenly hit the outer edge of the Southern Minerva Reef. Hanging on for dear life, the Crew and its passengers found refuge in a previously capsized Japanese vessel which was sitting on the Reef itself. While on the Reef, the survivors reported that during high tide the water would go up as high as most of their waists.

After almost 8 weeks on the Reef and realizing that the chances of a rescue party were slim, the Captain Tevita Fifita decided that they needed to make a move.

In late August the Captain, Tevita Uaisele, and the Captain's son Sateki Fifita, built a raft which they called the "Maloelelei" and decided to head for Kadavu, Fiji, some 50 miles plus away. While within miles of their destination, the Malo e lelei suddenly capsized and all 3 passengers were forced to swim the rest of the way. While the Captain and Tevita Uaisele were able to make the swim, the Captain's son did not have the strength to make the grueling swim and drowned before reaching Shore.

The survivors on the Reef were rescued days later, however 4 members of the Tuaikaepau had lost their lives while on the Reef. Amongst the dead were Sione Lousi, Sione Sikimeti, Fatai Efiafi, Fetaiaki Pulu.

This story is amongst the many that testify the strong Tongan spirit and attitude. Rest in eternal peace to those that have passed, gone but never forgotten.