A total of 245 passengers were safely rescued from the Lomaiviti Princess VII, a vessel operated by Goundar Shipping Limited, which ran aground near Moala Island in the Lau Group yesterday. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) reported that the ship, carrying 245 passengers and 33 crew members, struck the Cakova Reef in the area.
Following the incident, MSAF promptly activated its emergency response procedures and coordinated with search and rescue teams to ensure the safety of everyone on board the affected vessel. Fortunately, all passengers were successfully transferred to another ship dispatched by Goundar Shipping Limited, and lifesaving equipment, including life jackets, was provided immediately after the grounding.
While the 33 crew members chose to remain on the vessel for safety and readiness during the salvage operation, MSAF has confirmed that there has been no breach of the hull, and no water ingress has been detected. The authority is working closely with Goundar Shipping Limited and other rescue teams to guarantee the crew’s safety throughout the salvage efforts.
This incident highlights the efficiency of emergency response protocols in place to ensure passenger safety on the seas. The quick actions taken by MSAF and Goundar Shipping Limited demonstrate a strong commitment to maritime safety, providing reassurance to the public about the continued security of maritime travel in the region.
Overall, while the grounding posed initial risks, the successful rescue operations and absence of significant damages portray a hopeful outlook in emergency readiness and response.
Leave a comment