The recent drifting of two ships from Suva Harbour to Mosquito Island has been linked to strong winds impacting the area in recent weeks. Joeli Cawaki, CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, emphasized that ship owners have a duty to ensure the safety of their vessels.
Cawaki stated, “We have a team now working, a joint committee between MSAF and Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL), focused on assessing all vessels in the harbour.” The assessment will start at Suva Harbour and extend to the West and other parts of Fiji.
The agency is actively communicating with ship owners and their agents to facilitate the removal of the drifting ships. “If the owners do not take action, letters have already been sent, and it will become our responsibility to remove them,” he added.
A meeting is planned next week between MSAF and FPCL to further discuss the issue of vessels obstructing the harbour. “In the last two to three weeks, Suva experienced poor weather with strong winds and rain, which contributed to the movement of these vessels, and we are addressing this,” Cawaki noted.
He reiterated the importance of cooperation with vessel owners, acknowledging that while the cost of removal could be significant, the ultimate responsibility lies with them.