MSAF continue to monitor MV Fiji Princess grounding, no fuel leak detected

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is continuing to monitor and respond to the grounding of the passenger vessel MV Fiji Princess at Monuriki Island in the Malolo Group.

MSAF says the vessel was carrying approximately 20,000 litres of diesel fuel, and no damage to the fuel tanks has been detected so far.

They say that they deployed oil spill response equipment to the area as a precaution, however, challenging sea conditions prevented immediate deployment, and the equipment has since been handed over to the vessel’s crew so it can be used immediately if needed.

The Authority says its officers visited the site on Saturday to assess the vessel’s condition, assist with the safe evacuation of passengers and crew, and evaluate potential environmental risks.

MSAF says that at the time of the incident, 30 passengers and 31 crew members were onboard, and all passengers were safely evacuated and transported to Port Denarau, along with 17 crew members.

They add that the remaining crew initially stayed behind to support response operations, and preliminary assessments revealed significant damage to the vessel’s port-side stern, including the steering system, as well as damage to sections of the hull below the waterline.

MSAF says the vessel also suffered engine failure and began taking on water after the grounding.

Due to rough sea conditions, underwater inspections could not be carried out at the time.

MSAF says their priority today is removing fuel and oil from the vessel to minimise environmental risks.

This operation is currently underway with assistance from an Australian salvage specialist.

MSAF says further recovery efforts will proceed once weather conditions improve, and for safety reasons, only essential marine personnel and engineers are involved.

No crew are remaining onboard overnight due to the vessel’s condition.

MSAF says its primary focus remains the safety of all personnel, protection of the marine environment, and the continued safe management of response operations.