The next two weeks were much harder. We were starting to get sick of coconut milk and Maggi Noodles, so we made a point to find some food and a way of obtaining drinkable water. Even though things seemed dismal and hope was hard to find, we were at an advantage to some extent since we all had some skills that would benefit us. Daniel was a Biologist and a qualified Botanist, so he knew what tropical fruits were edible, and which ones weren’t. Thanks to Daniel’s knowledge and expertise, we were able to survive on bananas, figs, pineapples and other tropical fruit. Even though we came across a number of fruits and plants, not all of them were edible. According to Daniel, some were very potent in terms of poisonous content and triggering allergic reactions. It is very important that you are able to determine whether or not a fruit or plant is edible. One way of finding out is by placing a small portion of the plant or fruit against your lips for around three minutes- if it doesn’t tingle, burn or produces any other uneasy feeling, then the fruit is edible. Daniel also knew how to extract water from sand, using a simple reverse osmosis filter and a device known as a solar still- both which required simple resources such as the sun and sea water. Scarlett was an excellent cook, especially when it came to meat. She worked as a chef at a steak house for four years before pursuing her acting career. She had acted in a tropical castaway movie- except she had extreme luxury with her at the time. This was the total opposite. Still, she knew the fundamentals of island survival. I was a lot more ruthless on the other hand, and had spent a lot of time out in the bush hunting animals for food, as well as spear fishing out in the sea. Since there were plenty of boars and wild pigs on the islands, my predatorial instincts were tested. I was also in charge of collecting wood for our beach bonfires. This was important since fire not only helped us cook our meat, but it also provided us with warmth and light- especially at night. Combining our skills and using them together was the best way of ensuring survival.
One thing we always had to do was to stay close to each other. We had to stick together in order to stay alive, taking care of one another as if they were a sibling. On some occasions, a group member might go astray with a sense that all hope is lost. This might lead to feelings of anger, failure and hatred. Thoughts of cannibalism and other inhumane acts may pop up here and there- but the key is to always stay positive. I believe that since Daniel, Scarlett and I were so close, we were able to stick together until the end- providing continuous support and motivation all the way. We always believed in those rare chances of being rescued- no matter how or by what, we were extremely determined to get off that island and embrace civilization once again.
For days on end we collected all the wood we could manage to find in order to create smoke signals that could be visible from long distances. Using large rocks and stones, we formed the letters ‘S.O.S’ across the sand on one side of the island, desperate to catch the attention of any passer-bys. After almost 31 days without any human contact excluding the three of us, we were finally rescued. Using the buckle of my belt, I had managed to reflect sunlight into the path of an oncoming helicopter which was on its way to Kadavu. It took me two weeks to realize the potential or ability that the small piece of metal had, and its importance when it came to helping us be rescued. Even though I had been trying for two weeks, it had all been in vain. However, the Vodafone operated helicopter, which was on its monthly trip to Kadavu, had finally managed to spot us thanks to our signals of distress. It was an overwhelming experience, with feelings of joy and happiness bubbling within us all. We were so glad to be rescued in the end, and were extremely grateful for the pilot being able to spot us. Apparently we were far off from nearby land, and the helicopter had only taken that route due to adverse weather conditions. Daniel, Scarlett and I were extremely lucky, and we knew it.
Even though we may think it may never happen to us, any of us could become stranded on a remote island next time we’re out at sea. It happens, but the key is to be well prepared and to educate yourself beforehand on skills and fundamentals required to stay alive in such brutal conditions. Never lose hope- always believe in chances of being rescued or saved. The will to live and carry on is your strongest asset. Knowing how to obtain water, gather food, construct a shelter, and survive with limited resources is essential. Don’t take the situation lightly, and always remain aware of your surroundings. Be smart, be bold- but most of all, be brave.