The owners of the Lomaiviti Princess II may soon find themselves at the center of a government investigation following an oil spill connected to the sunken vessel in Suva Harbour. The Fijian government has initiated a comprehensive maritime inquiry to uncover the causes of the incident, assign responsibility, and investigate any regulatory lapses.
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau condemned the situation as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the critical need for accountability to safeguard Fiji’s marine ecosystem. The Lomaiviti Princess II, a fuel-laden vessel owned by Goundar Shipping Limited, sank earlier this month, resulting in a significant oil spill that poses serious environmental risks. Tuisawau hinted at possible “gross negligence” evidenced by a breakdown in operational compliance, stating, “We cannot allow any operator to neglect his duties and put our ports, marine life, and public at risk.”
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has been authorized under Section 45 of the Maritime Transport Act 2013 to appoint officers for an independent investigation. Concurrently, the Ministry of Environment has commenced thorough chemical analyses of the affected area to assess ecological damage and guide clean-up efforts.
Similar past incidents have highlighted ongoing concerns regarding Goundar Shipping’s operational standards, particularly the company’s failure to maintain proper safety and environmental protocols, including lacking valid waste disposal permits. Previous articles noted that the Lomaiviti Princess II had been deteriorating since 2019 and posed significant safety risks prior to the spill.
Government officials have indicated that this incident could catalyze regulatory reforms aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future. Proactive measures are currently underway, with containment booms deployed around the wreckage to manage the oil spill and efforts to refloat the vessel being planned to maintain navigational safety in the harbour.
Despite the gravity of the situation, there is optimism that the ongoing investigation and resultant measures will enhance maritime safety protocols in Fiji, ultimately benefiting both the local community and its fragile marine ecosystems. The commitment demonstrated by the government towards addressing environmental protection and operational compliance reflects a hopeful vision for the future of Fiji’s maritime activities.
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