The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has confirmed that investigations into a fire on the vessel DAE JIN are ongoing. Joweli Cawaki, CEO of MSAF, stated that the fishing vessel, which was built in 2001 and is registered to Service Marine Ltd, remains docked in the harbor while authorities conduct their inquiries. The fire reportedly ignited in the vessel’s engine room on the night of March 14, necessitating a swift evacuation of twelve crew members, including nationals from China and Indonesia.
Cawaki informed the public that local authorities, including the police and Suva Port authorities, are engaged in separate investigations to determine the cause of the incident. He noted that while the owner of the vessel requested that MSAF consider scuttling it, they cannot proceed with that option due to the ongoing investigation. “I haven’t heard anything about the cause of the fire,” he said, emphasizing the need to await the findings of the investigation.
The condition of the crew members who were hospitalized remains largely unknown, but it is believed that they are stable. MSAF has arranged for the owner’s insurance to cover their medical expenses. This incident underscores the importance of coordinated emergency responses in maritime safety, as crews faced escalating risks while navigating fire emergencies.
Similar previous incidents, including a fire on the DAE JIN that saw successful crew evacuations, highlight the critical nature of rapid action from local authorities and safety personnel in safeguarding lives at sea. The ongoing investigations into this latest fire incident reflect a concerted effort to enhance maritime safety protocols and prevent future emergencies across Fiji’s waters. As inquiries continue, there is hope that lessons learned will bolster safety standards, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for maritime operations in the region.
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