The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has issued an urgent call for mariners and boat operators to strictly follow safety protocols as rough seas and adverse weather continue to affect the country.
The warning follows a series of serious maritime incidents last week, including one in Beqa waters that claimed three lives and left one person missing.
In a statement, MSAF said the recent incidents underscored the dangers of venturing out to sea during hazardous conditions.
“These harrowing events highlight the catastrophic risks of defying weather warnings,” MSAF said.
The authority noted that in one incident, a coordinated overnight rescue involving the Republic of Fiji Navy vessel RFNS Savenaca, two domestic aircraft and a New Zealand Defence Force aircraft successfully rescued five people, including a child, from an overdue boat between Korolevu and Vatulele.
However, in Beqa waters, tragedy struck when three people lost their lives. Joint community and Police search efforts for a fourth person remain ongoing, while two survivors have since been discharged from Navua Hospital.
MSAF warned that rough seas and unpredictable weather pose an immediate threat, particularly to operators of small vessels.
“Facing adverse sea conditions in inadequate vessels places passengers, operators, and rescue personnel at extreme risk,” the authority said.
Given the prevailing weather conditions, MSAF has directed all boat operators, especially those using small fibreglass boats and punts, to comply with several “non-negotiable” safety measures.
Among these are regularly monitoring Fiji Meteorological Service warnings, never overloading vessels and ensuring every passenger, particularly children, wears an approved lifejacket before boarding.
Boat operators have also been urged to maintain engines according to manufacturers’ specifications, carry emergency communication equipment and ensure sufficient fuel is available for both planned journeys and emergencies.
MSAF further advised mariners to inform family members or shore contacts of their travel plans, including departure times, routes and expected arrival times.
The authority extended its condolences to the families of those who died in Beqa waters and issued a stark reminder to the public.
“If in doubt, do not go out,” MSAF said.
