WORK has begun to remove the derelict vessel MV Gotta Go Fiji from the Lautoka waterfront, a ship cited as an eyesore and environmental concern by Sugar City residents for some years now.
Experts from Dive Centre Fiji have been working on trying to patch holes in the vessel for the past few months in an attempt to remove it and sink it in deeper waters.
Captain Johnathan Smith of Dive Centre Fiji said work was expected to be completed in a month’s time depending on weather and tides.
“Now we are just lightening up the wreck by cutting off all the weight on the top which consists of steel and aluminium and timber on the superstructure and accommodation area,” he said.
“All of the fittings and timber removed have been given to nearby villages.
“All the steel cut out will be taken ashore and sent to be recycled.
“Anything that fl oats or is harmful to the environment — wood, foam, oil, fuel residue — will be removed ashore and disposed accordingly.
“Right now the big problem is trying to remove all the yellow hornets that have made the wreck their nesting ground all over the boat.”
Capt Smith said the best use for the wreck was for it to be sunk and used as an artificial reef to breed fish.
