THERE is still no word from the Fiji Navy on attempts to recover its now submerged patrol vessel RFNS Kiro.
When The Fiji Times visited Cakauyawa Reef yesterday, only the bridge of RFNS Kiro was above water.
Two flags were hoisted on the mast, one of which is a blue and white Juliet Flag which according to International Maritime Code of Flags means the vessel is carrying dangerous cargo on board or leaking dangerous cargo.
Efforts made to get comments from Captain John Fox, Navy Deputy Commander Marika Vosawale, Military Commander Brigadier General Viliame Naupoto and Minister for Defence, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola yesterday were unsuccessful.
Brig-Gen Naupoto said on Sunday he would not comment. Calls made to the Navy Commander for a comment on the issue were referred to the military commander. RFMF chief of staff Colonel Litea Seruiratu, in her response last Friday, confirmed they were in the process of salvaging RFNS Kiro and the operation would be conducted by the navy.
“Navy vessel Lautoka has returned to base and navy divers are constantly checking the ship every two days,” Col. Seruiratu said.
Former defence minister Timoci Natuva earlier confirmed a report on the running aground of RFNS Kiro was with the military commander.
When contacted yesterday, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Manager Port Regulatory & Emergency Response, Captain Philip Hill said detailed comment on the vessels status would have to be made by the Navy.
“It is best to get answers from the Navy but what we have done is written a letter advising the Chief of Navy to remove all the oil and pollutant from the vessel. That was given just after the vessel ran ground,” he said.
He also said the flags on the vessels mast could have a different meaning for the navy.
“The Fiji Navy may have a different meaning (to the flags) and this needs to be clarified with them.”
The RFNS Kiro was given to the Fiji Navy by the Australian Defense Force in 1995.
Since 2014, $2million has been allocated annually for it’s life extension program.
Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced in the 2016 national budget that the sum provided was for the renovation of the Kiro Patrol Boat in order to keep the boat seaworthy for the next 25 years.
Several attempts at Salvaging, by the Fiji Navy proved futile and the Board of Inquiry report is yet to be revealed. It is also understood that the Fiji Navy has stripped the vessel of it’s navigation equipment.
Meanwhile, about 60 metres away from the RFNS Kiro is Chinese fishing vessel, Guan Yuan Yu 239, which was grounded two weeks ago.
Captain Philip Hill confirmed that petroleum has been successfully removed from it and a company has been engaged to refloat the vessel.
Two unsuccessful attempts have been made.
“There has been some difficulties, they are just waiting for the right time for them to try again. Everything has been removed because we intend to scuttle it. There is no point recovering it because it is beyond repair,” Captain Hill said.
14 crew were rescued from the vessel on September 13 by the Fiji Navy. The vessel belongs to the Golden Ocean Fishing Company, and is registered in China.
