TWO vessel owners have been warned by the harbour master’s office to remove the wrecks from the Suva Harbour.
The Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) confirmed that the vessel owners — FV Mr Wind and FV Le-Samourai — would face legal action within the next few days if they failed to remove the wrecks from the port boundary.
FPCL in reply to questions sent by this newspaper said the wrecks had drifted on to the reefs during Tropical Cyclone Sarai last month and the emergency standby team reported the incident between December 27 and December 28.
FPCL also stated that the wrecks do not pose any risk or hazard to navigation and the environment.
“Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd’s emergency team have inspected both vessels for any oil spill pollution and have also found that the vessels are intact while grounded with no reported spills.
“FPCL will be issuing a removal order if there is no favourable response from the two owners before the end of the week.”
FPCL also added that the removal of the wrecks rested with the vessel owners.
Thus, if a risk is identified, FPCL would take over the responsibility.
FPCL said a warning was sent out to ship owners, agents, stakeholders and port users to adhere port regulations and prepare for adverse weather and precaution measures during TC Sarai and that all FPCL declared ports would be closed.
“One of the FPCL’s recommendations, that is to be included in our legislation, is to implement a Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance and wreck removal cover for all ship (foreign/domestic) operating within all Fiji waters.”
