Tongariki/ Buninga rely on banana boats for 41-mile route to Efate

Banana boats may not be safe, but they remain the only means of transport between Tongariki, Buninga, and Efate.

Each trip costs VT45,000 to cross roughly 41 miles of open sea, a journey that communities must rely on despite safety concerns and high costs.

The two islands have no regular ship service, and for years, domestic vessels have stopped visiting them on a weekly basis as they once did.

Area Administrator Donald Firiam said ships only visit when there are major cargo deliveries or large projects underway.

“In previous years, we had local shipping operators, but now we don’t have people in Tongariki who own ships. Now we depend entirely on banana boats for sea transportation.”

Both islands depend heavily on fiberglass banana boats, each around 6 to 7 meters long. Buninga currently has about 9 boats, while Tongariki has 6.

“It is not safe, the banana boat is an open boat. With every voyage there is always the question of whether passengers will be able to reach their destination” Firiam said.

Despite the danger, people continue to rely on them because there is no alternative.

“The cost of one trip from Tongariki to Emua is VT45,000 one way, VT90,000 for a return trip. To meet the cost a group of passengers contribute money, but it is impossible for a single farmer, to meet the cost. It’s very expensive.”

Because of these high transport costs, Firiam said it is difficult for farmers on the islands to sell their produce, such as yams, in Port Vila.