The director of Goundar Shipping Limited, George Goundar, has opted not to comment on the recent incident involving the MV Lomaiviti Princess VII (MV LPVII), which ran aground near Moala Island on Wednesday evening. His choice not to provide any remarks came shortly after the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) released a statement reassuring the public that the safety of the passengers onboard was not compromised.
When approached for comment, Mr. Goundar stated bluntly, “I have nothing to say to you, bye.” This incident occurred around 7:06 PM when the vessel, which was carrying approximately 245 passengers and 33 crew members, ran aground on the Cakova Reef.
Fortunately, MSAF confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely transferred to a nearby vessel dispatched by Goundar Shipping. They also highlighted that there was no breach of the hull and no reports of water ingress. MSAF assured the public that they are actively managing the situation, with ongoing efforts to resolve the incident safely and monitoring of the marine environment as a priority.
This incident, while serious, ended without injury or significant environmental impact, promoting a sense of relief regarding the safety of those affected. The response from MSAF demonstrates a commitment to addressing maritime safety concerns effectively, which is a positive takeaway from the situation.
As maritime and safety protocols continue to be emphasized, this incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of swift communication and action in emergency scenarios. The professionalism shown by MSAF reflects well on the industry’s standards and can help to maintain public confidence in maritime travel.
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