Two vessels drifting from Suva Harbour to Mosquito Island have been linked to strong winds affecting the area in recent weeks. Joeli Cawaki, CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, emphasized that ship owners are responsible for the safety of their vessels.
Cawaki announced that a joint committee is currently assessing all ships in the harbour, involving both MSAF and Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd. The evaluation will initially focus on Suva Harbour, followed by assessments across the western region and the rest of Fiji.
The agency is in touch with the ship owners and their representatives to facilitate the removal of the drifting vessels. Cawaki noted that if the owners fail to act, the responsibility will fall on MSAF to remove the ships.
A meeting is set for next week between MSAF and FPCL to discuss the issue of vessels congesting the harbour. Cawaki pointed out that the recent poor weather in Suva, featuring strong winds and rain, contributed to the displacement of the vessels.
He reiterated the need for cooperation with vessel owners, acknowledging that while removal costs could be high, the primary responsibility rests with the owners.