Frustration among the public has grown following the partial capsizing of the interisland ferry, Lomaiviti Princess II, in the Suva harbor area. Some passengers expressed their dissatisfaction with the vessel arriving late at Narain Jetty, prompting calls for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to thoroughly investigate these recurring safety issues.
The company director, George Goundar, declined to make comments on the situation, instead directing inquiries to Fiji Ports Corporation Limited. The CEO of MSAF, Joeli Cawaki, is currently facing questions over the authority’s response and actions regarding such incidents.
This incident follows last week’s grounding of another Goundar Shipping vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 6, near Ono-i-Lau island. An investigation was launched by MSAF after that vessel reported a distress call while carrying passengers. MSAF confirmed that passengers and crew were evacuated from the vessel without any reported injuries, but public concerns about Goundar Shipping’s safety protocols continue to linger.
Safety audits of Goundar Shipping vessels are expected to take place as MSAF seeks to ensure compliance and proper operational safety measures. While the recent incidents have raised alarms about maritime safety, the proactive response from the authorities presents a positive opportunity to improve safety procedures for inter-island transport in Fiji, ultimately aiming to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew moving forward.
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