Taiwanese fishing vessel runs aground near Makuluva Island

Taiwanese fishing vessel, FV Huang De, sailing under the Vanuatu flag, has run aground close to Makuluva Island, and the Fiji Rescue Coordination Centre is attempting to tow it out of the reef.

The Rescue Coordination Centre says they have made contact with the vessel’s agent, who confirmed that there are 28 people on board and no injuries have been reported.

They say the vessel is not taking in water and there are no signs of an oil spill.

The Centre says that the vessel was transferring fuel and fish to another vessel in an attempt to tow it out of the reef.

They add that they are closely monitoring the situation and continuously liaising with the FV Huang De agent.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is also monitoring the situation.