[doublec]

A few years ago one of the islanders had appendicitis and the island doctor couldn't do anything. They put out a broadcast for ships in the area for help - eventually one was available and went to take him to Managreva, from there to fly to the hospital in Tahiti. Unfortunately he died during the voyage.

Another incident with an islander having a medical issue, a broadcast was put out. There were no ships in the area. The situation was dire so they travelled to Mangareva by island longboat - two days over the open ocean - where he eventually was able to be medivacced to Tahiti.

Remote island life, with no airport, is definitely risky at times.