A vessel that ran aground on Namena Reef in Savusavu last Sunday is still retaining oil, raising alarms over possible environmental hazards. Joeli Cawaki, the chief executive officer of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, confirmed that the vessel was en route to Gau when the incident occurred.
Cawaki stated, “We have received a report of the incident, and a team has been appointed to investigate.” A staff member based in Savusavu is collaborating closely with the company that owns the stranded vessel.
Efforts are currently being made to safely remove the oil, with Mr. Cawaki emphasizing the importance of a careful approach to mitigate environmental risks. At the time of the grounding, the vessel was carrying 19 passengers, all of whom were successfully rescued and returned to their base.
Monitoring of the situation continues to ensure that potential harm to the environment is minimized. Attempts to obtain comments from the vessel’s owner have not yielded results.
This situation highlights the need for swift action and accountability in maritime operations to protect fragile ecosystems. Officials are actively working to address the crisis, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship. With the ongoing response efforts, there is hope that the risks can be effectively managed, ultimately preserving the natural beauty of Fiji’s waters.
Leave a comment