Efforts are now focused on removing fuel and oil from the grounded passenger vessel MV Fiji Princess to minimise the risk of marine pollution, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji says.
The vessel ran aground at Monuriki Island in the Malolo Group, prompting an immediate response from Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, which deployed officers to the site on Saturday.
All 30 passengers and 17 crew members were safely transferred to Port Denarau, while a small number of crew initially remained onboard to assist with response operations.
Authorities confirmed the vessel sustained significant damage to its rear left side, including the steering area, with additional damage reported underneath the hull. The vessel also experienced engine failure and was taking in water following the incident.
While approximately 20,000 litres of diesel is onboard, initial inspections found no evidence of fuel tank damage.
However, MSAF said the current priority is to remove as much fuel and oil as possible as a precautionary measure.
“This work is now underway with support from a salvage specialist from Australia,” the authority said.
Oil spill response equipment has been positioned at the site and handed over to the crew for immediate use if required.
Due to rough sea conditions, underwater inspections have been delayed, with further recovery efforts to begin once weather conditions improve.
For safety reasons, no personnel are staying onboard the damaged vessel overnight, with crew being accommodated on a sister ship.
MSAF said its primary focus remains on safeguarding personnel and protecting Fiji’s marine environment as response operations continue.
