Goundar Shipping has terminated 18 crew members for selling drugs onboard its vessels and to the outer islands. This revelation was made by Managing Director George Goundar during an interview, coinciding with the introduction of a new vessel to their fleet.
Goundar highlighted that the issue of drugs on their vessels has become a significant concern, prompting the company to dismiss the involved crew members. He emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure the shipping industry’s safety.
Goundar pointed out that current laws prevent shipping companies from conducting mandatory drug testing for seafarers. In response to this issue, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki stated that it will be included in the legislative review.
To address the problem of drugs onboard shipping vessels, Goundar Shipping has convened meetings with the police and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.