Trapped on an Island

Question

Teen Channel: Spotlight on Teens

The storm-battered sailboat was falling apart, but the ocean currents had brought the rudderless craft and the six teenagers within reach of a small island. "Mano" Sione Filipe Totau swam to shore, then called to the others to follow. They had made it to land, but their saga as castaways was just beginning.

Stories of being trapped on a deserted island make for fascinating fiction. Think of Robinson Crusoe or Treasure Island. In 1965, though, these six teens from Tonga embarked on a real-life struggle for survival. It would require great reserves of courage, creativity, and friendship.

Stranded

Their unfortunate voyage started out from Tonga's main island of Tongatapu. "I wanted to see the wide world," Mano said later on the Extremes podcast. He was joined by schoolmates "Stephen" Tevita Fatai Latu, Luke Veikoso, Sione Fataua, "David" Tevita Siolaʻa, and Kolo Fekitoa. All were teenagers at the time. Tired of school, they packed some bananas and coconuts and stole a boat in hopes of sailing to Fiji.

None of the six were seasoned sailors. They did not even bring maps or a compass. The very first night they were caught in a storm that shredded the sail and wrecked the rudder. After eight days adrift, their food was gone. Their hopes were fading before the winds and waves pushed them to 'Ata. This small and uninhabited island is at the southern end of the Tongan archipelago.

'Ata is a rugged island consisting of a high plateau and steep cliffs. It offers little drinking water. After their arrival, the six rebuilt their strength by foraging for bananas, coconuts, and shellfish. They ate seabird eggs, as well. They used coconut shells and hollowed-out tree trunks to collect rainwater.

During their exploration of the island, they found the ruins of a long-abandoned settlement. They discovered papaya trees and taro root along with wild chickens. For shelter, they built huts out of coconut fronds. Stephen's success at using sticks to start a fire, after three months of trying, was cause for celebration.

The group knew that there was more to survival than meeting their basic needs. Working in teams of two, they tackled tasks that gave them purpose and buoyed their spirits. Jobs included gardening, cooking, and maintaining the fire. For exercise and recreation, they made a badminton court and a set of weights. Kolo even fashioned a guitar from a coconut shell and salvaged wood and wire. When conflicts arose, those involved would take some time for themselves until tempers cooled.

Back from the Dead

Weeks, months, then a year passed. The castaways made one attempt to construct an escape raft, but it didn't prove to be sturdy enough. "We realized we'd never get out," Mano recalled. "I lived in the hope…that something good would come tomorrow."

That tomorrow came on September 11, 1966. On that day a fishing boat captained by Peter Warner arrived scouting for crayfish. The Australian and his crew were instead surprised to see someone swimming toward their boat from what they thought was a deserted island.

"I'm Stephen," the swimmer called out. "There are six of us and we reckon we've been here 15 months."

Warner radioed Tongan officials with the story to see if it could possibly be true. "Stand by," the radio operator responded. Minutes passed, then—"You found them! These boys have been given up for dead. Funerals have been held. If it's them, this is a miracle!"

The castaways, by relying on their wits and each other, had survived an epic ordeal.

Think about and discuss these questions:
What evidence from the article supports the idea that it was a surprise when the teens were found alive?
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you do first? Why?
What are three things the teenagers did that helped them survive on the island? Use evidence and key terms from the article in your writing.

one short answer

Answer 1

The article indicates that the rescue of the teenagers was a surprise when it mentions that Tongan officials had "given up for dead" on the boys and that "funerals have been held." This underscores the disbelief and astonishment surrounding their survival after being missing for 15 months.

If I were stranded on a deserted island, the first thing I would do is find a reliable source of fresh water, as staying hydrated is crucial for survival.

Three things the teenagers did that helped them survive on the island include: 1) Foraging for food such as bananas, coconuts, and shellfish, which provided essential nutrition. 2) Collecting rainwater using coconut shells and hollowed-out tree trunks, ensuring they had a source of drinking water. 3) Building huts out of coconut fronds for shelter, which protected them from the elements.