11. The Fiji Islands were encountered on May 6
On Wednesday, May 6, the men of the Bounty‘s launch became the first Europeans to see the Fiji Islands. By then the men were cold, hungry, wet, and exhausted by the buffeting they endured from the gyrations of their boat in the heavy seas. The need for constant bailing and working the oars added to their physical discomforts. Several importuned Captain Bligh to stop at one of the smaller islands to rest and possibly find fresh water. Bligh reminded them of their promises, but the sight of the lush islands, which they continued to pass for the next two days, was tempting in the extreme. Bligh used the sextant to chart the positions of each of the islands they passed, drawing them on a page in his journal. His chart proved to be extremely accurate, and can be used to sail the archipelago safely over two centuries later.
The pleadings of the men to stop at one of the islands came to an abrupt halt when a canoe emerged from one, the natives aboard paddling lustily while others capered with excitement while pointing at the launch. It was joined soon by a second canoe, and the intentions of the natives were clear to the Bounty‘s men. They rowed with increased vigor despite their weakened condition. It was well that they did. Several of the Fiji tribes manned sentinel posts on the islands, intent on preying on the canoes of the other islands which came to close to their homelands. The chase continued through the afternoon of Friday, May 8, through constant rain and lightning, before the natives abandoned the pursuit.