Domestic seafarers were celebrated at Avatiu Harbour yesterday with a sausage sizzle and gift pack marking World Maritime Day.

Captain Talica Vuli Vakayawa, a seafarer with Taio shipping, was one of 48 people who were recognised in the celebration.

Originally from Fiji, Vakayawa has captained for Taio Shipping for more than two years but has been at sea since 1989.

“I love it, I couldn’t think of doing any other job apart from sailing, I love sailing,” he said.

Vakayawa sailed ships between Fiji’s islands before coming to the Cook Islands, and said sailing between the Pa Enua was similar to what he did previously.

As part of world maritime day celebrations, a sausage sizzle was put on for seafarers - 21100510

He said working during Covid-19 had been challenging because he had been unable to return home.

Vakayawa said he wants to go home, take a break, and return doing the job he loves.

World Maritime Day is celebrated internationally each year on September 30 but it was recognised Tuesday because a cargo ship was in port on the official day.

Katrina Matheson from Maritime Cook Islands handed out gift packs to the sailors, she said this year’s theme for World Maritime Day was the day of the seafarers.

“Instead of just having panel discussions and stuff that we usually do we thought it would be nice to give back to the seafarers themselves,” she said. “Just us showing our appreciation of what they were doing during Covid-19.”

Captain Talica Vuli Vakayawa from Taio Shipping, stands in front of one of the ships that will soon sail to the Northern group - 21100512

A seafarer collects his gift containing a dry bag and a coffee mug - 21100511