Goundar Shipping has terminated 18 crew members for selling drugs onboard its vessels and distributing them to outer islands.
Managing Director George Goundar disclosed this in a media interview while introducing a new vessel to their fleet. Goundar mentioned that drugs on board have become a significant problem, leading to the dismissal of the involved crew members.
He emphasized the need to address this issue to maintain safety within the shipping industry. Goundar also noted that current laws prevent shipping companies from conducting mandatory drug testing for seafarers.
In response to Fiji One News, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki stated that this issue would be considered in the upcoming legislative review. Goundar Shipping has already met with the police and MSAF to tackle the problem of drugs onboard their vessels.