The Maritime Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is conducting an investigation into the grounding of the passenger vessel Lomaiviti Princess II, which occurred along the Maloi Passage on the west coast of Ovalau yesterday.
The vessel was departing Natovi Jetty for Levuka with over 40 passengers onboard, including crew members and five vehicles, when the incident took place. MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, was notified of the situation shortly after the vessel ran aground at approximately 9:20 AM.
Cawaki reported that another vessel, the Saint Mary, was on-site to assist in towing the grounded vessel and to help transport the passengers to Levuka safely.
Captain Aca James Small, manager of Goundar Shipping Service, stated that the Lomaiviti Princess II was following its usual route when it struck a reef. He emphasized the need for an investigation into the cause of the grounding, suggesting possible crew negligence given the familiarity with the route.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the passengers. Captain Small mentioned that the vessel would need to wait for high tide to be salvaged, and Goundar Shipping Limited has since canceled all scheduled travel to Levuka until further notice.
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