The Ballad of the Uluilakeba

There was a proud and gallant ship, That sailed the reef strewn sea, She left those distant island shores, December seventy three.

All those who stood upon her decks, They waved to Lauan friends, They left their relatives behind, Sad story I must tell.

To Ogea,’ the Captain said, ‘Let’s shelter from the wind And let it blow as hard it can, My ship it will not find’.

The weather news came loud and clear, ‘A cyclone fierce and wild, Will blow in Fiji’s waters soon, The Captain merely smiled.

Then load, then load the copra sacks Who is afraid to sail?

We’ll make our way to Suva town We’ll soon ride out this gale.

The Captain loved that ship so trim, He feared no wind or storm, He put on speed for Ogea, We’re safe', he said, 'till morn’.

The wind, the wind, the cruel wind, It rose up fierce and strong, The Captain tried to turn his ship, He knew that he’d been wrong.

The waves came o’er that gallant ship, Till all the sides were torn, And cries of anguish filled the air, It was a deadly storm.

‘Oh, save our ship’, they prayed in vain, ‘Oh, save us from our plight’.

But down she sank into the deep, It was a dreadful sight.

And many were the copra sacks, That floated on the foam, And many were the nation’s sons, Who never more came home.

And many did vainly try, To find a raft they tried To seek some help in that wild wind, But few of them survived.

And in that shark-infested sea, Among the waves so wild, A helpless mother watched and wept, As seas devoured her child.

To planks and copra sacks they clung, That dark and stormy night.

No stars or moon shone down on them With kind and saving light.

Oh, long and weary were the hours, They battled in the foam, And overhead the aeroplanes, Searched for to take them home.

The Soochow, too, steamed to their aid.

To help them she did strive, The weak and fearful few of them, Who managed to survive.

No more we’ll see that gallant ship So proudly sailing by, No more she’ll lie at Princes Wharf In ocean deep she’ll lie.

Oh may all those who perished there Be granted heavenly rest On their poor souls have mercy Lord They truly did their best.

O let them sail that Holy Ship That goes beyond the grave And carries souls to Heavens Wharf Where Christ their souls can save.