Untidevideo

STRANDED on a South Pacific Island With No Way to Escape

2 November 2024 · 15 min · 20K views · Niuatoputapu

What this video covers

The 37-foot Swan *Elixir* spends 10 days anchored at Nuiatoputapu, Tonga, while waiting for a weather window to clear the island.13:39 During this stay, the crew encounters three French travelers who were stranded after their previous vessel suffered a dismasting and the skipper abandoned them on the island.1:18 The island lacks commercial flights and reliable supply ship service, leaving the castaways without a means of departure.1:03 The *Elixir* crew spends their time snorkeling the barrier reef, spearfishing, and participating in local kava ceremonies with the island's residents.2:36 With a favorable forecast for a 180-mile passage to the Vavaʻu group, the crew invites the three stranded travelers to join them for the two-day transit.7:48 The vessel departs Nuiatoputapu at dawn to avoid the approaching cyclone season.13:31

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Swan 37Their boat

More from Untide

How We Get Paid to Sail the World (Full Time)Sept 2026The Perfect Affordable Cruising Boat? (Dufour 31)Aug 2026Sailing with Orcas and Humpbacks in the Pacific Northwest!Aug 2026How We Get Paid to Sail in Paradise (Full-Time Boat Life)Jul 2026

From Untide — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue