The Fiji Navy has confirmed that the crew of the RFNS Puamau is currently en route to Suva and their primary focus is on conducting salvage operations with extreme regard for environmental safety, while also providing counselling support for the crew and their families.
They say the challenging conditions of the Fulaga passage in Lau underscores the need for thorough planning and proactive measures with salvage experts to address potential contingencies.
Additional recovery equipment and resources are being mobilised, including specialist equipment from overseas, to facilitate the safe removal of fuel and storage before initiating vessel extraction from the reef.
The Fiji Navy says the bulk of salvage resources are anticipated to arrive by this weekend, and a team of Navy divers and engineers continue to monitor the vessel.
They also acknowledged the Australian Government, Pacific Maritime Security Program, and local and regional partners for their unwavering support throughout this endeavour .
They add that they are now attentive to the feedback and discussions circulating in various media platforms and social media on the circumstances leading to this regrettable incident, which will be comprehensively investigated and understood through due process.
