People from Suvavou, Navukavu and Waiqanake Villages along Suva Harbour have been assured that the oil spill spotted this morning is being addressed as a team has been deployed to seal the leaking fuel tank of the MV Suilven and conduct a survey.
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joeli Cawaki, made this statement in response to concerns raised earlier today by the Pacific Conference of Churches General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, about the oil bubbling to the surface, covering the surf spot, and spreading out to sea.
Cawaki says the oil spill originated from the MV Suilven, a vessel transporting cargo from PAFCO to Suva, which tilted and sank near the entrance of Suva Harbour in 2015.
The CEO says a discussion was held with Ben Naidu, owner of Venu Shipping, regarding the 2015 incident.
He says a court case between Venu Shipping and Fiji Ports over the vessel’s removal is ongoing, as the area falls within the Fiji Ports boundary.
Following a joint meeting with the Fiji Ports Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Dive Centre, Fiji Navy, Fiji Police, and the Ministry of Transport earlier today, a team from the Dive Centre and the Fiji Navy was deployed to seal the leakage.
Cawaki also says the Water Authority of Fiji has been contacted to test the water in the affected areas to ensure no environmental issues arise.
The CEO confirmed that the team is actively addressing the situation and a full report will be discussed at 9am tomorrow.
Stay with us for developments.
