Crew Profile

The Surprise crew is highly qualified, service orientated and totally professional, with the famous Fijian warmth and friendly smiles.

Carol Dunlop - Master
Captain Dunlop was formerly a nurse in England before sailing around the world on her own sailing yacht. At the end of her world cruise she found herself in the South Pacific island of Fiji. She was so taken by the beauty and genuine friendliness of the Fijian people she remained and took up a career as a professional mariner. She has been Captain on board a variety of vessels: covering specialised diving expeditions throughout the Pacific, whale watching and Fijian-based tourist cruises. She knows most areas of the South Pacific and the Fiji Islands intimately. Her hobbies are music, art and scrimshanding.

Sam Tulakepa - Chief Engineer
A class 3 commercial engineer from the Island of Rotuma near Fiji, Sam has a wealth of experience working on commercial ships of all types worldwide. Sam lives with his wife Maca and family of 5 in Fiji and is a valued member of the Surprise crew, known for his kindness and dedication. Sam's hobbies are rugby and soccer and his fishing skills are much admired.

Frank Johnson - Chief Officer
Frank Johnson is Chief Officer of the Surprise. Frank was born in Suva and his family comes from the old capital Levuka on the island of Ovalau. His great-great-great grandfather travelled all the way from Scotland to set up his trade as a carpenter in Fiji where he married a Fijian lady. Sam has a Class 3 Watch Keeper's ticket and has a great love of the sea.

Joseph Samuela - 2nd Engineer
Joseph has joined us recently and is a young, hard working energetic member of the crew. He is a Class 3 commercial engineer and joins us with a background of training on overseas commercial vessels as well as a good grounding in the tugboat and salvage industry. He offers the crew valuable support in tender driving and assisting with all the water sports. Joseph is of Rotuman and European descent and is married with two young boys. His outgoing personality gives him a good rapport with the crew and guests.

Manasa Heritage - Chef
Manasa is Fijian with a Welsh grandfather, he is married with 4 children and lives with his wife Litia in Lami. In his youth he was a talented wood carver before working for many years as a chef and seaman on Dilman tanker and gas ships plying the world. Manasa has a great deal of experience cooking for European officers and their guests, and for the past 10 years he has produced gourmet meals for a live-aboard dive vessel, involved in expedition work. A great seaman with a lively sense of humour, Manasa is very flexible chef and can create a menu to suit personal requirements.

Fergus Underwood - Purser/Steward
Fergus was born in the sugar city (Lautoka) and is 4th generation Scottish, his family came to Fiji to plant cotton many years ago. He is married and has four children. As Surprise's purser, Fergus is at hand to help ensure that your charter experience is enjoyable. Fergus is friendly and helpful and enjoys playing field hockey and making cocktails.

Mosese Marawai - Steward
Mosese Marawai has been employed in the live aboard dive boat and expedition yacht industry for 12 years. During that time he sailed as steward and lately as Bosun. Mo comes from the tiny island of Komo in Lau, which is the most remote eastern part of Fiji. Gentle and courteous, he is a popular member of the crew. He is the leader of the Surprise band and plays guitar and ukulele with great expertise. Our last guests tried to lure him away to record in Boston!

Laisa Lawelua - Stewardess
Laisa hails from the tiny Island of Oneata in the Lau group. She has been married for 18 years and has raised three boys in Fiji. Laisa has always loved being on the water and began working as stewardess on super yachts in 1996. She is an asset to the Surprise with her friendly smile and cheerful personality. Laisa enjoys reading, music, quilting and sharing a bowl of kava with the Captain!


The Surprise crew are dedicated to your wellbeing and enjoyment and want you to share the beauty and culture of their country. They will leave you with a lasting memory of Fijian kindness, relaxation, fun and beauty.