The Maritime Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is conducting an investigation into the grounding of the passenger vessel Lomaiviti Princess II, which occurred yesterday in the Maloi Passage on Ovalau’s west coast. The vessel was transporting over 40 passengers, including crew members and five vehicles, and was en route from Natovi Jetty to Levuka at the time of the incident.
MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, received notification of the grounding shortly after it happened at approximately 9:20 AM. He expressed relief that another vessel, the Saint Mary, was nearby and able to assist in towing the vessel and safely transporting passengers to Levuka.
Captain Aca James Small, manager of Goundar Shipping Services, indicated that the Lomaiviti Princess II was navigating its usual route when it struck the reef. He stated, “We are investigating the cause of the incident because this is their daily route; the crew members must have been negligent, thinking they knew the route well. Thankfully, no passengers were hurt or injured.”
Small also mentioned that the vessel would need to wait for high tide to be salvaged, and as a precaution, Goundar Shipping Limited has suspended all scheduled travel to Levuka until further notice.
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