When his boat engine failed him in March 2002, Tahitian fisherman Tava`e Raioaoa was cast adrift in the currents and winds of the Pacific Ocean. He travelled over 1,200 kilometres in his small open vessel for more than 100 days until landing on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.

Tava`e Raioaoa told his story to French journalist Lionel Duroy.

Translated by Jean Anderson.

"This is a recommended book for anyone who enjoys triumphant lessons of life. Being lost at sea appears to be a common story for fishermen of the Pacific, but to have such stories written and translated into English is indeed rare." 
 

Dr Cherie Chu of Victoria University, NZ
Pacific Connection Magazine Issue 21

June - August 2010