The Lomaiviti Princess 1 which had faced engine problems and was drifting without power early this morning, has been towed to Savusavu by a barge, where the 304 passengers have safely gotten off the boat.
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki says the vessel will be undergoing inspection by MSAF since the generator went totally off, causing the circumstances.
Cawaki says the Lomaiviti Princess 1 will undergo necessary special survey protocols to determine the cause of this incident.
He says in response to the emergency, MSAF issued directives for the safety and well-being of all passengers and the vessel itself.
The MSAF CEO says passengers are advised to travel via the Nabouwalu-Natovi route and are requested to liaise directly with Goundar Shipping Limited regarding alternative travel arrangements.
He has also stressed the need to ensure safety and security of all passengers and crew members alike.
Cawaki adds MSAF’s commitment to upholding maritime safety and reassures the public that every measure is being taken to address the situation effectively.
He says MSAF is actively liaising with Goundar Shipping Limited to address this incident.
Police confirm that the vessel was towed by the landing craft Waimana.
The passenger vessel had left Savusavu at 3 this morning.
fijivillage News received a call from a concerned woman whose father and children are travelling on the passenger vessel.
She says she was told that they have been drifting for about 4 hours and a barge was trying to tow them to Savusavu.
Assistant Police Commissioner Operations, ACP Livai Driu confirmed this morning that the ship was without power.
We are currently trying to contact the vessel owner.
