Dingy stolen in the Lau Group (Fiji)

Our Take-away

1. Lock the fuel locker,
2. Lock the outboard,
3. Remove the kill-switch cord, and
4. Trust no one, even if the village and school have no doors.

Do not pre-arrange a time to meet a stranger anywhere, just show up unexpectedly for Sevusevu, even on a Sunday.

The jury is still out as to whether the thief was tipped off about our prearranged meeting time, we would like to think not.

The incident was reported to the Police on the mainland, but we have had no reply as of 18 Sept 2024. We were not holding much hope.

While it may appear to be a perfect island paradise in the Lau Group (FIJI), don’t be fooled.

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Komo Island Question: Did They Just Want Fuel?

We suspect the intention was to steal fuel, with an attempt made to quickly remove the fuel tank and hose from the dinghy.

However, once it became clear the fuel tank was difficult to access and the fuel line ran beneath the floorboards, the decision appears to have been made to take the entire dinghy instead.

Given the isolation of the area and the fact there are no nearby islands, it remains unclear how any escape plan was expected to work. We were told by our guide that the local population numbers around 100 people.

Whether more than one person was involved remains uncertain, and ultimately we can only speculate. On reflection, the kids missed out because on one persons poor decision.

The Harsh Reality: No School Supplies were left at Komo Island

We both finally took a breath and reflected on the aftermath of the incident, trying to understand what lessons could be learned from the situation.

On closer dinghy inspection, we discovered several concerning details. The fuel hose clamp on the outboard had been left loosely in place rather than properly clipped in as it normally would be on the engine. The fuel locker latch was also found open instead of securely fastened, and the dinghy anchor D-bolt had been partially unbolted.

The outboard motor itself had been secured with a padlock, preventing it from being removed, and likely saving us from losing it entirely. The kill-switch cord had also been left attached — a mistake we would not repeat.

Further examination showed the outboard had been forced roughly 20mm off its mount on one side, suggesting an attempted removal or interference.

A Remote Fiji Village – Were They All In On It?

Relieved to have recovered what we considered our “car,” we all returned to the yacht for much-needed refreshments near Komo Island. Our spokesperson and his young nephew were regarded as heroes for their efforts throughout the search.

They asked only for a simple cup of coffee for the driver and a cup of tea for the nine-year-old nephew. With no spare fuel available, we offered a small amount of money as a gesture of sincere gratitude for their assistance.

Curiously, there was no expressed sympathy or concern from some of our onboard guests regarding the theft itself.

Were they involved? We will never know.

It also left lingering questions, could someone have tipped off the thief that we would leave our dinghy on one side of the island while walking to Komo Village at 2 pm?

In the end, we were left with nothing but speculation.

Clear Fijian waters with Coral reef edges

In a Tight-Knit Village of 100, the Thief Is No Secret...or is it

Within two minutes of getting underway, the dinghy came into view around the far side of Komo Island.

At first, it looked like relief, we assumed someone from our search party had located it and was bringing it back, and for a brief moment, our spirits lifted.

However, as it drew closer, it became clear the occupant was not part of our group. It was a young local from the community who had taken the dinghy from the opposite side of the island.

We immediately closed the distance, intercepting the vessel roughly 150 metres off the rocky shoreline. A tense verbal exchange followed between our spokesperson and the individual.

The spokesperson then picked up a long paddle and made it clear the situation would not be allowed to continue. The young man ultimately chose to jump overboard and swim the remaining distance back to shore.

Given the small population of the village, it was evident the individual would have been known personally to those involved from Komo Village.

“Our Car Is Gone, Get Help ASAP” - A Sudden Crisis

Five minutes into the search, it became clear we should involve the Komo spokesperson, as there was a possibility the dinghy had blown around the island toward the edge of the reef near Komo Island.

We split up — one of us continued along the rugged shoreline at pace, while the other rushed back toward Komo Village to raise the alarm.

At the village school, a teacher signalled to a young child to go and find the spokesperson. Within a short time, the search effort was underway.

However, there was an immediate complication: there was no fuel available for the outboard motor.

We offered to cover any costs, and a kind villager eventually provided fuel so the search boat could get underway.

Fiji Dinghy Theft Raises Concerns for Cruisers

About 45 minutes after reaching the beach on the opposite side of Komo Island, I suddenly heard the shout: “The dinghy’s gone…”

We were known to joke with each other, so my first reaction was to dismiss it... “Yeah right.”

But this time, there was no joke. The dinghy was nowhere in sight.

An easterly wind of around 15 knots was still blowing steadily across the anchorage. In theory:
> If the dinghy had broken free, and
> If the bowline had come loose, and
> If the three coils of rope secured around the large boulder had somehow worked themselves free, then
It should have drifted downwind, somewhere nearby.

Without hesitation, we began a fast-paced search downwind along the shoreline.

School Supplies Surprise Coming to Komo Village

We continued our guided stroll through Komo Village before eventually saying our farewells. As a parting gift, we were given freshly baked local bread, which we gratefully returned with powdered milk and enough lollipops for all the school children.

We also quietly discussed returning later with additional supplies for the school as a surprise.

The journey back involved a hot 20-minute climb up and over the hill toward the beach. Along the way, we both remarked on how the school had been left completely open, and many of the homes had their doors and windows wide open as well.

Some houses did not even have doors.

It was clear that this small village community experienced little to no theft, maintaining a refreshing spirit of trust and openness among neighbours.

Komo Village Sevusevu – Trying to Respect Fijian Custom

By 14:00 the following day, we had taken the dinghy ashore at Komo Island, setting a forward anchor in barely a metre of water and securing an aft line to a massive boulder on the beach.

From there, we climbed the hill to meet the village spokesperson, who warmly guided us down the opposite side into Komo Village. The community appeared especially proud of their small school, which catered to around 30 students up to Year 7.

Back aboard the yacht, we had additional school supplies that would have been perfectly suited to such a small and remote school.

The population of Komo was said to be around 100 people.

As we entered the village, it felt strangely deserted. According to our guide, everyone, including the children and the Chief, was having their afternoon nap.

“They’re getting ready for the afternoon church service that starts at 3:00 pm,” he explained.

Shoal of Fingerlings in crystal clear Fijian waters

“Bula… You Have Fuel?” – Remote Fiji Anchorage Story

A spokesperson and his young nephew arrived alongside us in the Komo Village School longboat near Komo Island.

As a gesture of welcome, they offered us a basket overflowing with bananas. We accepted a few and returned the kindness with kava root, reading glasses, and lollies.

Before departing, we arranged to meet the following day (Sunday) at 14:00 at the top of the hill, where we would walk down together to Komo Village for sevusevu.

We were also reminded that the communities in this part of the Southern Lau Group are deeply religious, and Sundays are treated with great respect.

Traditional village protocols were equally important. Visitors were expected to dress modestly, with shoulders covered and hats removed when entering the village.

Komo Island Village School Lau Group Islands Fiji

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