Twelve crew members aboard the fishing vessel DAE JIN, including Chinese and Indonesian nationals, successfully escaped a fire that broke out while the boat was docked in Suva Harbour on Wednesday night. The fire originated in the engine room, prompting immediate efforts from the crew to combat the flames. However, MSAF CEO Joweli Cawaki indicated that the situation escalated quickly, leading to a decision to evacuate the vessel rather than continue fighting the fire.
When the alarms were raised, the Harbour Master alerted local authorities, resulting in a tugboat being dispatched to assist. Cawaki emphasized that the decision to tow the DAE JIN away from the harbour was crucial for safety, stating that keeping the vessel away from the dock was a priority.
As of midday Thursday, the fire persisted in the engine room, with local maritime authorities continuing to monitor the situation. Fortunately, while there were no fatalities in the incident, several crew members did sustain injuries and were taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for treatment, underscoring the importance of medical assistance in emergency situations.
Further investigations into the cause of the fire will be conducted by both the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) as the flag state authority and the Port Authority, given that the incident occurred within port boundaries. This inquiry is vital not only for determining what led to the fire but also for enhancing maritime safety protocols in the future.
The DAE JIN, which was built in 2001 and is registered to Service Marine Ltd, continues to be monitored while billowing smoke offshore. The ordeal serves as a reminder of the critical nature of safety measures in maritime operations and the swift responses required in emergency situations.
Resilience and teamwork played crucial roles in managing this incident, much like in recent maritime events near Suva, where other fishing vessels faced significant challenges due to rough weather conditions. The cooperative efforts among local authorities and maritime safety services underscore a commitment to ensuring the safety of seafarers.
In conclusion, the successful evacuation and ongoing investigative efforts reflect a hopeful outlook for improving safety standards in Fiji’s maritime industry, as collective experiences continue to inform better practices and responses in emergencies.
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