A total of 245 passengers were successfully rescued from the Lomaiviti Princess VII, a vessel operated by Goundar Shipping Limited, which ran aground near Moala Island in the Lau Group. The incident occurred yesterday when the ship struck Cakova Reef while carrying 245 passengers and 33 crew members.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) promptly activated its emergency response protocols and coordinated efforts with local search and rescue teams to ensure everyone’s safety. Fortunately, all passengers were safely transferred to a backup vessel sent by Goundar Shipping Limited. Lifesaving equipment, including life jackets, was quickly provided to the passengers following the grounding.
The 33 crew members have chosen to remain on the stricken vessel as preparations are underway for its salvage. MSAF continues to collaborate with Goundar Shipping Limited and the rescue teams to ensure the crew’s safety throughout this process. Importantly, MSAF has confirmed that the hull remains intact and there has been no reported water ingress, indicating that the situation could have been much more serious.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of emergency management and the resilience of the maritime safety protocols in place. The swift actions taken ensured that all passengers were safely accounted for, and the ongoing focus on the crew’s safety is commendable. With continued support and coordination, there is hope for a successful salvage operation and a return to normalcy for the crew and the shipping company.
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