COVID-19: Couple ‘stuck’ in Falkland Islands get lift back to New Zealand from fishing vessel

“We just climbed every hill we could, because it’s quite an isolated space really.”

After having no luck finding a flight home, the couple heard a Sanford fishing boat was dropping off and collecting crews stranded nearby.

Feeonaa said she had never spent a night at sea before, but quickly found her sea legs.

“It was pretty incredible – it was a lot of long days. If you like confined spaces, you should definitely consider a fishing trip.”

The couple learned a lot about sea life on their 27 day trip aboard the San Aotea II, which anchored off Timaru on Thursday.

Feeonaa and Neville kept busy with work, card games and learning knots, while spending time with the crew.

“They’re all amazing personalities and very serious about their jobs – it’s given me a brand new appreciation of the sea,” Feeonaa said.

Sanford deep water fleet manager Darren Shaw said the couple fitted in well.