An oil spill has been spotted around the capsized vessel Lomaiviti Princess II in the Suva Harbour, according to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. The incident occurred when the vessel, which had been moored at Narain Jetty since 2019, was being towed by Fiji Ports to remove it from the site. CEO Joweli Cawaki confirmed that the Lomaiviti Princess II was unmanned during the accident and that no injuries were reported.
Cawaki explained that the vessel “tipped to one side, took in water, and subsequently sank” at around 4 PM on Monday. This capsizing represents a significant risk as the location is part of a navigable channel. The Lomaiviti Princess II had posed challenges at the wharf, leading to ongoing concerns from Goundar Shipping about its condition and the need for its removal.
This event follows another incident involving the Lomaiviti Princess II earlier this month, where it ran aground in the Maloi Passage during a routine journey. Again, safety was a key concern, with investigations suggesting possible crew negligence given their familiarity with the route. Fortunately, that incident ended without injuries, as the nearby vessel, Saint Mary, assisted in safely transporting passengers.
Authorities are now focusing on addressing the ongoing maritime safety challenges highlighted by these incidents. Efforts are aimed at improving safety measures and ensuring that such occurrences do not repeat, helping to enhance the protection of passengers and vessels operating in Fiji’s waters.
Overall, while these incidents reveal pressing issues in maritime safety, they also present an opportunity for regulatory improvements that may ultimately lead to safer travel for passengers in the future.
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