Four people have been arrested and charged for allegedly cutting the mooring line of a floating restaurant and bar ‘Cloud 9’ which is located in the open seas off Tavarua Island in the Malolo group.
This floating facility drifted for about 15 meters out to sea and nearby resorts had to send boats to secure it.
The four have been charged with damaging property and common nuisance.
Assistant Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirms they are looking for three more people in relation to this incident.
He said the four are in police custody and will appear in the Nadi Magistrates court on Monday.
The owner of this facility, Tony Philp Junior said he received a threatening call on Wednesday and following that villagers cut the mooring line of this structure.
Philp said since he started his business in June this year the villagers from Momi have been making threats, claiming he has no legal right to operate such a business.
However, Philp said he has the legal permit from the government and the Maritime Safety Authority.
He said fortunately, the sea was calm on Wednesday when the incident happened or this could have caused damage to the environment and destroyed the million dollar floating facility.
Story by: Ronal Deo
