Latest news with #GeorgeGoundar
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Article – RNZ Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. RNZ Pacific Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. 'Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem,' it said. 'The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck.' The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel 'went down' after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Fiji Ports for comment. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. 'We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation.' He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. 'Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Article – RNZ Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. 'Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem,' it said. 'The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck.' The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel 'went down' after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Fiji Ports for comment. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. 'We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation.' He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. 'Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. "Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem," it said. "The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck." The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel "went down" after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. "We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation." He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. "Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues."
RNZ News
04-06-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Fiji ship saga clarified
File photo of the Gounder Fishing vessel. Photo: Facebook/Goundar Shipping Limited Correction: The Lomaiviti Princess II was being towed out of the harbour when it capsized, not on its way to support rescue operations for the grounded vessel as previiously reported. Fiji's Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was being towed out of Suva Harbour when it capsized. But this was not on its way to salvage operations for the grounded vessel, as previously reported. The company's managing director George Goundar told local media "the mishap at Suva Harbour regarding the Lomaiviti Princess II was not the works of the company". He directed all questions to the Fiji Ports Cooperation. Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the matter was under investigation and a release would be issued after he receives an update on the matter. On 29 May, the company posted on social media about the first incident, saying "GSL Management would like to sincerely thank the people of Ono-i-Lau for your tremendous support following the mishap". "We acknowledge and appreciate your assistance in ensuring the passengers were safely brought ashore."
RNZ News
03-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Ship runs aground in Fiji - then its rescue vessel capsized
File photo of Gounder Fishing vessel. Photo: Facebook/Goundar Shipping Limited Fiji's Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels. Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats. On Monday (2/6) , the Lomaiviti Princess II was sent to assist with salvage operations of the grounded boat in Ono-i-Lau. But the rescue boat never made it as it capsized in Suva Harbour, where it remains on its side. The company's managing director George Goundar told local media "the mishap at Suva Harbour regarding the Lomaiviti Princess II was not the works of the company". He directed all questions to the Fiji Ports Cooperation. FBC News has reached out to the ports cooperation for comment, but the outlet reported the Maritime Safety Authority has refused to comment further on the matter . Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the matter is under investigation and a release will be issued after he receives an update on the matter. On 29 May, the company posted on social media about the first incident, saying "GSL Management would like to sincerely thank the people of Ono-i-Lau for your tremendous support following the mishap". "We acknowledge and appreciate your assistance in ensuring the passengers were safely brought ashore. "The vessel is now en route to Suva."
