Emergency response teams are actively working to manage an oil spill in Suva Harbour that originated from the sunken MV Suilven. The leak, detected by a diver and quickly reported via social media, has prompted urgent action from maritime authorities due to the diesel leaking at an estimated rate of 15 liters every 20 minutes. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), in collaboration with Dive Centre (Fiji) Ltd, is spearheading containment efforts to mitigate environmental harm.
The leak was pinpointed to the entrance of Suva Harbour, close to Davetalevu Passage, where the MV Suilven sank back in November 2015. Initial assessments indicate that approximately 100 liters of diesel have already contaminated the waters, triggering immediate containment measures to prevent escalation into a more severe Tier 3 oil spill, which would require international assistance and the activation of national emergency response plans.
Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd dispatched a pollution patrol boat shortly after the spill was identified, and an Emergency Coordination Committee (ECCM) has been formed, featuring representatives from various government and maritime organizations. This committee is taking swift steps to seal the leak and coordinate resources effectively. Divers have been deployed to locate and temporarily stop the leak, while containment booms are being placed to isolate the affected waters.
Simultaneously, water samples from the contaminated area have been collected for testing by the Water Authority of Fiji to assess the environmental impact. Legal proceedings are underway against Venu Shipping, the owner of the MV Suilven, as efforts continue to hold them accountable for the incident.
In an effort to ease community concerns, Mr. Joeli Cawaki, MSAF’s chief executive, assured residents in surrounding areas that the situation is being monitored closely and that the light oil typically dissipates quickly. However, he emphasized preparedness for potential heavier oil contamination with the necessary cleanup equipment ready for deployment.
Authorities are encouraging vigilance among the public while maintaining a calm atmosphere as intermittent security checks continue around the harbour. Another ECCM meeting was convened recently to evaluate the situation and strategize the next steps in the containment operations.
In light of this incident, the proactive measures being implemented demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental protection and community safety. The collaboration among various agencies showcases the importance of rapid response in mitigating the potential repercussions of such environmental crises. The community can remain hopeful as dedicated teams work tirelessly to restore the integrity of the local ecosystem.
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