Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) has publicly apologized following the grounding of its vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 6, near Ono-i-Lau earlier this week. Director George Goundar expressed gratitude towards the local community for their assistance in safely evacuating passengers, while also acknowledging the inconvenience caused to those onboard.
“We sincerely apologize to the passengers onboard for any inconvenience this incident may have caused and thank you for your understanding,” Mr. Goundar stated in an official communication. The vessel is currently en route to Suva after the incident raised renewed concerns regarding GSL’s operational standards and maritime safety practices.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is actively investigating the grounding. MSAF CEO Joweli Cawaki confirmed that Lomaiviti Princess 12 was dispatched to assist in the salvage operation, noting that all passengers were safely transferred off the grounded vessel with no reported complaints. The MSAF had previously cleared Lomaiviti Princess 6 for travel prior to its departure, further emphasizing the commitment to safety protocols.
This incident mirrors previous mishaps that have drawn scrutiny on Goundar Shipping, such as the grounding of MV Lomaiviti Princess VII, which faced similar circumstances but resulted in a swift evacuation, ensuring that all passengers were transported safely to another vessel. MSAF has indicated that a comprehensive audit of Goundar Shipping’s operations is forthcoming, aimed at reviewing the company’s compliance with safety standards.
While this situation has understandably raised concerns, it is encouraging to see the proactive measures being implemented to investigate and enhance safety measures in Fiji’s maritime operations. The community’s readiness to assist in ensuring passenger safety highlights a strong collaborative spirit, fostering hope for improved maritime safety in the future.
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