Environment Dept working with MSAF and Police to inspect oil spill site

The Department of Environment is working with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and the Fiji Police to carry out a joint inspection of the site of the oil spill in Laucala Bay after it was brought to their attention.

The Permanent Secretary for Environment Mere Lakeba says the inspection team is yet to determine the cause of the oil spill. She says any oil spill will certainly affect the marine ecosystem, and the Department of Environment is working with MSAF to contain this.

Lakeba says given the nature of the fuel (diesel), the MSAF Officers have added Sea Kleen into the sea area for oil spill emulsifier purposely to quickly penetrate the seawater with oil spill mixture and easy rinse off, leaving clean and oil-free surfaces

She adds the Department has requested MSAF on site to enquire with Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) on details of boats/ships that departed this morning from the Suva Jetty since the oil spill was observed this morning.

The Permanent Secretary says the Ministry is working with relevant authorities to address the issue.

She is advising families and communities near the USP lower marine campus, to be vigilant and not to fish near the oil spill area.