Cruise ship for Fiji
ANEW multi-million-dollar tourist cruise vessel was to begin operations in the eastern islands of Fiji in November, 1992.
On October 14 that year, The Fiji Times reported that the 39-metre luxury catamaran, MC Burotukula, named after the mythical island known for its beautiful women near Matuku Island in Southern Lau, was to operate from Raffles Tradewinds Hotel.
The local shareholder was senior police officer Qalo Bulatiko who hailed from Kabara Island in Lau. His overseas partners were Captain Alan Hewson and Nialle Allcock.
Senior Superintendent Bulatiko said he had always wanted to do something for his people.
And with the introduction of the cruise in late November, the dream would become a reality.
SSP Bulatiko, who was a director of the new cruise line, South PaciƝc Cruises, said that the Burotukula was to operate for fourand seven-day cruises into selected locations in Ovalau, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, Lomaiviti and Lau (including Kabara)
“My grandfather, the Tui Udu, Josateki Tadu, built the Ɲrst cruise vessel to Fiji, the Tui Lau over 60 years,” he said.
“With the introduction of this cruise, we will now be able to continue to service my people in Kabara.”
The cruise ship was to employ 22 crew members and would beneƝt the villages.
“We are committed to ensure this cruise creates goodwill wherever we visit.”
He said he was not to be directly involved with the cruise with Captain Hewson and Mr Allock on the management team.
Captain Hewson had more than 20 years as a master mariner operating his own shipping line out of Brisbane, both in Australia and overseas.
He was to be the director of marine operations for the cruise line.
Mr Allock was the director of commercial and administration for South PaciƝc Cruises.
He was in the general management and corporate planning for Dunlop Ltd before spending 10 years working in the shipping industry in passenger commute and roll-on-roll-off container operations.
The Burotukula was one of the most sophisticated ships to have ever sailed on Fiji Waters.
Included in its navigational equipment was a Global Positioning System (this was being tested by the CAAF for use on commercial airlines.)
The ship had its own water desalination plant, international direct dial telephone in each of the upper deck cabins, television, and the latest in a weather reporting system.
There were 22 upper-deck cabins that included en- suite shower and toilet, television and ISD telephones.
There were nine lower deck cabins and that included bunk beds and en-suite toilets and showers. All cabins were air-conditioned. In addition, the ship had a promenade deck with a spacious dining room, a well-appointed lounge and bar area, and an international standard equipped gallery.