George Goundar, the Managing Director of Goundar Shipping, has raised serious concerns regarding the prevalence of drug abuse among seafarers, calling it the most significant threat to the shipping industry in Fiji. Speaking before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Goundar highlighted a troubling incident that underscored the urgent need for action.
During his testimony on the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill, Goundar noted that he had to dismiss two crew members for intoxication after they showed up to work visibly impaired. He described how the crew staggered in for their morning shift after the ship returned in the early hours, emphasizing the alarming levels of intoxication observed.
Goundar recounted a particularly alarming event from the previous Saturday when a captain was unable to awaken two of his crew members. It was only when he splashed a bucket of water on them that they finally stirred, revealing they were under the influence of drugs. This incident has left Goundar deeply concerned about both the safety of his crew and the welfare of passengers.
“We’ve reached a point where I, as a ship owner, feel apprehensive about sending my ship out,” Goundar said, voicing fears over whether the captain or chief mate had been tested for substance use. He recalled a past incident from several years ago in Ellington where both the captain and chief mate were intoxicated while MSAF (Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji) allowed the ship to sail.
Goundar lamented the climate of silence within the industry, which he believes endangers lives. He expressed the fear of continuously waking up at night to the possibility of receiving distress calls about vessels in trouble. “It’s a brotherhood in seamanship, but the public doesn’t understand that,” he stated, revealing the emotional toll the situation takes on ship owners.
Goundar’s remarks underline the pressing need for increased oversight and accountability in the maritime sector. By addressing these challenges head-on, there is hope for restoring safety and integrity within the industry, ensuring both crew and passenger wellbeing can be prioritized.
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