Lui Nifo, a fisherman from Sataoa, will always be remembered by the HMNZ Manawanui crew rescued from the sunken warship off Tafitoala in October. 

The 40-year-old has been dubbed a hero and honoured for his bravery in battling strong winds and high tide on that fateful night. 

The New Zealand Defence Force formally recognised the bravery of the Samoan authorities, including the fisherman, in a ceremony held in November. 

Many Samoans and those in New Zealand commended Nifo for being “selfless,” and Samoa’s response team was also praised for its professionalism during the rescue operation.  

On 5 October, the Manawanui ran aground with the Police and Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) moving in quickly for the rescue operation.

Nifo saw glittering lights out at sea and heard an officer on the beach communicating with authorities on the location of the 75 crew members. 

He knew his knowledge of the area would be of great assistance and he quickly jumped in a kayak and paddled through the darkness. 

There were strong winds and high waves but I still went so I could provide some help for the people,” Nifo told the Samoa Observer recalling the harrowing night the ship ran aground.  

“When I reached the raft, there were about 30 crew in there,” said Nifo. 

“One of the crew was on a wireless radio with the Nafanua and he gave me the radio and the Nafanua people asked me if I could take an injured woman to land. 

“I knew I had to bring her to dryland before her condition worsened and she needed help.”

With the injured woman boarding the kayak, Nifo battled through crushing waves to get her the help she needed. 

"That was my focus, to make sure she gets to shore quickly before anything else happens to her,” he added. 

The crew member had a dislocated shoulder and upon reaching dryland, Nifo made sure the ambulance attended to her needs before he could go out to sea again to help the others.  

But before he could do so, he was told by a policeman that boats were already in the area to collect the rest of the crew.

New Zealand High Commissioner, Si’alei Van Toor commended Nifo for his bravery during a consultation in Tafitoala. 

“I would like to recognise the gentleman from Sataoa village,” said Van Toor. 

“I was there on the night and can attest to your bravery and heroism, you went out under dangerous circumstances, you rescued the crew and took her to the ambulance and we want to say thank you so much. 

“This recognition is required and a suitable recognition…thank you very much for your heroism.”

Nifo said he did what anyone else would have done.

He is grateful that no one died and acknowledged the Lord for giving him the strength on that fateful night.