In this uplifting but nearly forgotten story, six boys were shipwrecked on a desert island for over a year. Instead of succumbing to their darker natures, they survived through friendship and cooperation.
Tonight, we have a story of solidarity, hope and ultimately survival in the face of adversity. It took place more than fifty years ago, but when it was rediscovered last year it caused a sensation. As we first told you earlier this year, it s a tale of a group of schoolboys stranded on a remote and deserted island for more than 15 months. It might remind you of the famous novel Lord of the Flies, by William Golding but as you ll see, the outcome of this real-life story could not have been more different.
The story begins in 1965. Mano Totau and five of his friends were studying at a boarding school in Tonga, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean. Bored, rebellious, and yearning for adventure they stole a traditional whaling boat and with reckless abandon they set off for Fiji.
Tongan Teens Marooned on a Pacific Island
Author:
I ve spent half a century (yikes) writing for radio and print mostly print. I hope to be still tapping the keys as I take my last breath.
Half a dozen teenage boys who were enrolled in a boarding school in Tonga decided to run away. They stole a boat with the plan to sail to Fiji or New Zealand, but their adventure went horribly wrong.
Isolated Ata Island rises from the gloom in the Pacific Ocean.
Setting Sail for Fiji
Fed up with the regimentation and strict discipline of the Catholic boarding school they attended, the six Tongan teenage boys conspired to escape. In June 1965, they stole a 25-foot sail boat and set off. Their names were Sione Fataua, “Stephen” Tevita Fatai Latu, “David” Tevita Fifita Siola’a, Kolo Fekitoa, “Mano” Sione Filipe Totau, and Luke Veikoso.
A real life Lord of the Flies: The 50-year-old story of a group of teens stranded on an island - 60 Minutes cbsnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cbsnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.