THE Lomaiviti Princess I began servicing its normal route from Monday this week with the first trip to Koro.

Goundar Shipping Ltd managing director George Goundar was also on board for the trip to the devastated island of Koro in the Lomaiviti Group.

Prior to his departure on Monday, Mr Goundar said while the normal route would be serviced, focus would be on getting relief to the people affected on the island of Koro.

“I will get a first chance to view the damage to the jetty at Koro and also see how people are managing on Koro,” he said.

“We at Goundar Shipping have a special relationship with Koro, it being one our regular stopovers.

“We will be carrying normal cargo as well as relief and hope that when the Lomaiviti Princess sails into Koro, it will bring smiles on the faces of those who have been affected by (Severe) Tropical Cyclone Winston,” he said.

Mr Goundar said in the time of need, he hoped Fiji would come together and pray for those affected, especially the children.

“Our shipping services have resumed and we will start to service our normal routes,” he said.

Mr Goundar had earlier stated, that if required, he would be more than willing to allow the use of his ships for the purpose of delivering relief to affected areas.