NAVY vessel RFNS Kikau has departed Viti Levu to provide escort to the MV Liahona II which is reported to have lost its ramp in open seas.
The MV Liahona is a roll-on/roll-off vessel that is used to carry wheeled cargo and passengers on board, which means vehicles and passengers in the ship are loaded and unloaded by means of built-in ramps.
Normally these ramps are made towards the stern (backside) of the ship.
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acting CEO Captain Phillip Hill said the MV Liahona II departed Narain Jetty yesterday at 11: 15pm bound for Kavala, Kadavu, with 121 passengers and 10 crew members on board.
“At 8.30am today, I received a report that the vessel had lost its ramp,” Cpt Hill said.
He says based on the report he received, all passengers are safe and the vessel is slowly proceeding to Kadavu traveling at a speed of three and a half knots.
“The vessel is expected to arrive in Vunisea in five hours time,” Cpt Hill said.
Meanwhile, MSAF along with Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre (FMSRCC), including Government Shipping Services, are closely monitoring the situation.
“We will be able to comment further once a full report from the boat master is received.”
Cpt Hill said the captain of the vessel was providing position update hourly.