The ship owner says strong winds during the past few night reportedly pushed the vessel onto a nearby reef, causing a small leak in the hull.
The owner says they were not informed about the incident until late Wednesday afternoon, when they were told the vessel had developed a slight list.
The owner says workers were sent to inspect the ship and carry out repairs on Thursday morning, but workers from Fiji Ships were already on board plugging the leak.
The MV Spirit of Altruism was among the vessels shortlisted for removal from Suva Harbour under the US$1 million Blue Prosperity Fiji salvage initiative.
By March this year, 13 of the 20 identified ships had been removed.
The ship owner says most of the fuel and oil had already been removed from the vessel and claims a video circulating on social media showing fuel in surrounding waters only showed residual pockets.
The owner is now hopeful the Blue Prosperity salvage project will prioritise the safe removal of the vessel.
For any further information or clarifications please contact Culden Kamea on ckamea@gmail.com or 9992 870.
