An environmental response team is set to convene today to develop a long-term solution for a leak from the sunken MV Suilven, which has potentially released harmful substances into the Suva Harbour. Dr. Sivendra Michael, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, reported that a temporary fix had been implemented earlier this week to stem the leak.

The ministry is collaborating with several authorities, including the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd, the Natural Disaster and Management Office, the Ministry of Transport, Fiji Navy, and the water police. Their primary goal is to contain the environmental threat posed by the leak.

Currently, the hull of the MV Suilven has been patched by a dive center, but Dr. Michael emphasized that this measure is only temporary. The environmental response team will be meeting to devise a more permanent remedy. A preliminary meeting of the relevant authorities and experts was held yesterday, led by MSAF CEO Joeli Cawaki, focusing on deploying necessary resources to manage the spill.

On December 30, 2024, at 1:38 PM, the Fiji Ports team began their investigation into the oil leak following a report from a diver and subsequent social media posts. Upon reaching the affected area in Davetalevu Passage, the team traced the leak back to the sunken vessel, which is situated about 15 to 20 meters from the reef at a depth of 18 meters. A more comprehensive assessment will be conducted in collaboration with Dive Centre Fiji.

Dr. Michael acknowledged the significant harm that such spills can inflict on the marine environment and reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to work closely with all relevant parties to address the issue effectively.

This proactive approach by the ministry and its partners demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Fiji’s marine ecosystems, highlighting the importance of collaboration among various authorities in tackling environmental challenges. Their efforts could serve as a model for similar future incidents, underlining the significance of prompt and cooperative action in environmental protection.

In summary, a multi-agency effort is underway to manage the implications of a leak from the MV Suilven, with both temporary fixes and plans for long-term solutions under consideration to protect the marine environment in Suva Harbour.