George Goundar, the director of Goundar Shipping Limited, declined to provide any comments regarding the grounding incident involving the MV Lomaiviti Princess VII (MV LPVII) near Moala Island on Wednesday evening. His decision to remain silent follows a statement from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) which reassured the public about the safety of the vessel’s passengers.
The MV LPVII was reported to be transporting approximately 245 passengers and 33 crew members when it ran aground on the Cakova Reef at around 7:06 PM. Fortunately, MSAF confirmed that all passengers were successfully transferred to a second vessel sent by the shipping company. They also noted that, despite the grounding, there was no damage to the hull, and no water was reported to have entered the vessel.
MSAF has stated that they are actively managing the situation to ensure it remains under control, with ongoing efforts to resolve the grounding safely. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of monitoring the marine environment affected by the incident.
This incident, while concerning, showcases the effective response from maritime authorities and the shipping company in safeguarding the passengers’ well-being. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in maritime travel, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance and readiness in handling such unforeseen events.
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