A total of 245 passengers were successfully rescued from the Lomaiviti Princess VII, a vessel owned by Goundar Shipping Limited, which ran aground near Moala Island in the Lau Group yesterday. According to a statement from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), 33 crew members were also aboard the ship when it struck the Cakova Reef.
In response to the incident, MSAF activated its emergency response protocols, collaborating with search and rescue teams to ensure the safety of everyone on the vessel. Fortunately, all 245 passengers were promptly transferred to a second vessel dispatched by Goundar Shipping Limited. Additionally, lifesaving equipment, including life jackets, was swiftly provided to the passengers following the grounding.
The 33 crew members, on the other hand, remained on the Lomaiviti Princess VII to prepare for a salvage operation. MSAF is maintaining close coordination with Goundar Shipping Limited and other search and rescue teams to ensure the crew’s safety throughout this operation. Importantly, the maritime authority reassured the public that, despite the grounding, there has been no breach of the vessel’s hull, and no water ingress has been reported.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of emergency response measures, as well as the dedication of both the maritime authority and Goundar Shipping Limited in prioritizing passenger and crew safety. As the crew prepares for salvaging the vessel, it is hoped that the operation will proceed smoothly, ensuring the ship can be safely recovered and returned to service.
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