A coordinated maritime operation was carried out last week to move mourners and dignitaries to Bau Island for the state funeral of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has confirmed. The agency said its officers worked alongside multiple security and defence partners to monitor vessel movements, conduct safety checks and ensure lifesaving equipment standards were met throughout the operation.
MSAF said teams were present at Bau landing throughout the day to oversee embarkation and landing procedures, enforcing full compliance with maritime safety protocols. Officers carried out pre-departure vessel inspections and verified that all participating craft were equipped with required lifesaving appliances before allowing them to carry passengers to the island. The agency described the operation as a “tight” and closely monitored exercise given the profile of the event.
The maritime operation was a joint effort involving the Fiji Police Force’s Water Police Unit, the Republic of Fiji Navy and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, MSAF said. Those agencies provided on-water policing, naval support and logistical assistance to facilitate the orderly movement of passengers, which included Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and other distinguished guests attending the funeral.
MSAF confirmed specifically that the vessel carrying the late former President was safely conveyed to Bau Island as part of the coordinated movement. No incidents were reported in connection with the sea transfer, and the authority said that ensuring the secure passage of the late President’s vessel was a key priority for the day’s operation.
The surveillance and verification steps taken by MSAF and partner agencies underscore the operational demands of staging a state funeral on an island site, where maritime transport is integral to moving large numbers of mourners and officials. By conducting targeted vessel checks and enforcing compliance measures, the agencies aimed to reduce the risk of maritime incidents while preserving the dignity and security of the funeral proceedings.
This update follows last week’s funeral events and provides the first detailed confirmation from maritime authorities about the scale and coordination of transport arrangements. MSAF’s public statement highlights inter-agency cooperation in managing maritime safety during high-profile national ceremonies and the practical measures taken to safeguard passengers during island-bound transfers.
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