528 boardings in 5 months have been made by the HMNZS Hawea in their assistance to Fiji in policing Fijian Waters.
This was highlighted by The Royal New Zealand Maritime Component Commander Commodore Jim Gilmour while speaking at the reception to farewell members of the HMNZS Hawea at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence in Suva last night.
Gilmore adds that 107 of the vessels boarded had infringements, of which 56% were booked for no licence or expired licences, 21% for safety infringements, 18% for illegal fishing practices, 11% for discarding rubbish at sea and 1% for expired immigration visa.
He says that of the 45 RFN officers and sailors that sailed with Hawea, there were 28 Customs Officers and 20 Fisheries Officers that sailed and trained onboard.
Deputy Commander of the RFMF Brigadier General Mohammed Aziz commended the tremendous job by the HMNZS Hawea in assisting Fiji in policing in its’ waters.
Meanwhile, New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Mark Ramsden will be completing his term in Fiji at the beginning of next month.
Ramsden has served in Fiji as the New Zealand High Commissioner for four years and will be moving to Ethiopia next month.
