Concerns have been highlighted regarding oil leaks from the partially submerged vessel Lomaiviti Princess II in Suva Harbour. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji confirmed that the vessel capsized while being towed out of Narain Jetty by Fiji Ports. CEO Joweli Cawaki stated that the Lomaiviti Princess II was unoccupied at the time of the incident, which occurred shortly after 4 PM on Monday.
The vessel had been docked at Narain Jetty since 2019, and the tow was part of an effort to remove it following a notice issued by Fiji Ports to Goundar Shipping. Cawaki explained that as the vessel was being pulled, it tilted, took on water, and subsequently sank.
This incident raises serious maritime safety concerns, particularly given recent events involving the Lomaiviti Princess II. Earlier this month, the vessel had also run aground while on a routine journey, emphasizing ongoing issues with navigation safety and crew reliability. Fortunately, in both cases, there were no reported injuries among passengers.
The Maritime Authority of Fiji is now focused on addressing these persistent safety challenges, underscoring the need for improved protocols in maritime operations. Authorities are hopeful that these investigations will lead to better safety standards, ultimately ensuring a safer experience for passengers traveling in Fiji’s waters.
As the maritime community looks to mitigate future risks, the hope is that such incidents can serve as catalysts for necessary regulatory improvements, enhancing the protection for all who depend on inter-island travel.
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