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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Cait Kelly

‘He fought his whole life’: independence advocate who fled persecution dies from Covid-19

Hand holding a black and white photo of a young John Souisa
John Souisa, who captained a ship of refugees from the Maluka Islands to Darwin in 2000. Photograph: Sia Duff/The Guardian

John Souisa had spent five days at sea when relief washed over him – the Australian navy was approaching their boat, which was carrying 54 asylum seekers. After dodging Indonesian patrols, battling rough seas, and warding off hunger, the group had finally made it.

And just off the coast of Darwin, a huge warship was there to guide them safely to shore.

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