4 February, 2026, 5:00 pm Central - 30°C Rain

Maritime Safety Authority warns Goundar Shipping to do the right thing

Maritime Safety Authority warns Goundar Shipping to do the right thing

By Iliana Biutu
06/06/2025
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joeli Ratulevu Cawaki

Do the right thing, or we will close the bridge for your services.

This warning was issued by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joeli Ratulevu Cawaki when questioned by fijivillage News.

He confirmed that a letter had been sent to the owner of Goundar Shipping Company regarding Captain Inoke’s vessel.

Cawaki is calling on George Goundar to provide several key documents regarding the vessel, a docking report from the vessel’s last dock, a hull thickness report, the most recent classification report from the society overseeing the vessel and approval for MSAF to conduct a sea trial to determine the vessel’s operational speed and establish a safe limit for its use in Fiji.

The CEO says a technical team has already visited the docking site to assess documentation and determine whether the vessel can safely operate in Fiji.

Cawaki also highlighted that this is the first high-speed craft of its kind to arrive in the country, capable of reaching speeds of 45 to 50 knots.

He says the vessel is currently not in operation, as it has not yet passed inspection or received certification from MSAF.

Cawaki emphasizes that the safety of travellers is paramount.

Goundar’s Shipping is yet to comment.

FEATURE NEWS
Calls made in Galoa to reintroduce corporal punishment for iTaukei students
Calls for the return of corporal punishment in schools — targeted specifically at iTaukei students — were raised by villagers of Galoa in Serua du...
7 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Man removed from Veivatuloa Village in Namosi for possessing marijuana
A man who has maternal links to Veivatuloa Village in Namosi has been removed from the village after marijuana was found at his home.Tui Namosi, Ratu ...
8 minutes ago

President conveys his support for appropriate options - PM
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka says President and Turaga Bale Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has conveyed his support for the appropriate ...
21 minutes ago

Seruiratu tells Rabuka to step aside during appeal process
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu says the if Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is serious about accountability, there is a clear and honourable ...
4 hours ago

Heavy Rain Alert now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby small islands
A Heavy Rain Alert is now in force for Vanua Levu, Taveuni and nearby smaller islands, Lomaiviti, Central and Northern Lau group.The Nadi Weather ...
4 hours ago

Hearing on former MSAF CEO's judicial review leave application on March 13th
The hearing on sacked Maritime Authority of Fiji CEO Joweli Cawaki's leave application for a judicial review will be on the March 13th. Cawaki was ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji in Miss Pacific Pageant
Miss Fiji 2025 first runner-up and Miss Nasinu, Ailava Samuels, has been officially appointed as Fiji’s representative to next month's Miss ...
13 days ago

Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy - Dialogue Fiji
The National Referendum Bill risks undermining democracy by criminalising political expression, enabling state overreach and excluding young people ...
15 days ago

Shocking move : FNU reassigned under PM
The Fiji National University is being reassigned under the Prime Minister's Office Ministerial Portfolio via the Ministry of Strategic Planning, ...
15 days ago

TOP