In March 2020, Eritara Aati Kaierua, a devoted father and Kiribati fisheries observer, died in mysterious circumstances on the high seas in the Pacific, leaving his family heartbroken and searching for answers.
Eritara died aboard a Taiwanese-flagged fishing vessel, Win Far 636. Initially declared a homicide, his death was later attributed to ‘natural causes,’ a conclusion shrouded in doubt and fuelling frustration for his grieving family.
Now the documentary Death at Sea by Sara Pipernos thrusts audiences into the heart of this unsolved case, raising crucial questions about accountability, justice, and human rights in the maritime industry.
Death at Sea is being screened at 6.30 on 30th January at Everyman in London.
‘This film is a stark reminder of the dangers people face at sea every day. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for the Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea to be adopted,’ said HRAS Executive Chair Matthew Vickers.
‘This landmark document provides a vital framework for protecting the rights of all those at sea, from fishers and seafarers to observers like Eritara. It demands transparency, accountability, and the recognition of basic human rights in the maritime environment.’
Behind the documentary is a meticulous 12-month independent investigation conducted by the Human Rights at Sea (HRAS), dissecting the case from the family’s perspective. The in-depth review exposes 26 critical questions that remain unanswered, highlighting glaring deficiencies in the official investigation and demanding justice for Eritara Aati Kaierua.
To date, the criminal investigation undertaken in Kiribati has still not provided acceptable answers, and the State authorities have failed to disclose full details in the public domain.
Death at Sea is a poignant exploration of one family’s loss and a powerful exposé of the dangers and vulnerabilities faced by fisheries observers, often entrusted with protecting marine life but left exposed to exploitation and potential harm.
‘I know the film will bring our family a lot of hope – and the policymakers who may see this film; they could bring about real change,’ said Eritara’s sister Nicky Kaierua.
The film highlights systemic challenges within the industry, urging audiences to consider the human cost behind our seafood consumption and demanding greater protections for those who safeguard our oceans.
‘The extensive multi-stakeholder investigation and fair demand for answers alongside Eritara’s family now enters its fourth year,’ said Human Rights at Sea International managing director David Hammond.
‘This situation is unacceptable, and Human Rights at Sea International is pleased to be continuing the fight for justice along with the essential public understanding of the circumstances behind Eritara’s untimely death.’
