Strong winds affecting the region in recent weeks have been identified as the cause of two ships drifting from Suva Harbour to Mosquito Island. Joeli Cawaki, CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), emphasized that ship owners must take responsibility for the safety of their vessels.
Cawaki mentioned that a joint committee has been established between MSAF and Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) to assess all vessels in the harbour. “We will start from Suva Harbour and then move to the west and cover the rest of Fiji,” he stated.
The agency is actively coordinating with ship owners and their agents to facilitate the removal of these vessels. Cawaki warned that if owners fail to take action, MSAF will intervene to remove the vessels after sending official notices to the owners.
A meeting is scheduled for next week between MSAF and FPCL to further discuss the issue of vessels cluttering the harbour. Cawaki reminded everyone that the recent poor weather conditions in Suva contributed to the situation, which included increased winds and rain that affected the vessels.
He stressed the necessity of collaboration with vessel owners, noting that while the costs of removal may be significant, the ultimate responsibility lies with them.