The Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL) is pursuing legal action against the owner of the Spirit of Altruism for vessel abandonment and failure to comply with removal directives following the vessel’s capsizing off Draunibota bay, Lami, over the weekend.
FPCL’s acting chief executive officer Suresh Prasad said strong winds caused the vessel, which had been abandoned at the Suva Port for more than three years, to drag its anchor.
During the movement, the vessel struck a sunken wreck, resulting in damage to its hull and causing water ingress.
“Temporary repair efforts were undertaken in an attempt to stabilise the vessel, however, uncontrolled water ingress continued, leading to a severe list and eventual capsizing,” he said.
He said FPCL’s harbour master team and local vessel operators responded immediately once the situation escalated.
A localised diesel sheen was detected at the site and treated using Sea Kleen, with ongoing monitoring being carried out in co-ordination with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
“There have been no reported injuries, and port safety operations remain under control.”
He confirmed that salvage assessments and environmental monitoring are ongoing to ensure the wreck does not pose navigational or pollution risks.Mr Prasad also highlighted FPCL’s broader enforcement efforts, noting that 13 derelict vessels were removed from Suva Port boundaries in 2025 under the Jonathan Smith Derelict Vessel Removal Fund.
He said FPCL was working through the Joint Maritime Environment Committee, alongside key agencies including MSAF, the Department of Environment, and the Fiji Navy to improve co-ordination on marine pollution response and derelict vessel removal.
Seventeen high-priority derelict vessels have now been identified for removal from Suva Harbour.
