ONLY one government-arranged relief voyage to Taveuni had been confirmed yesterday as essential supplies on the island, including food and fuel, continue to run out.
MV Saint Mary, owned and operated by Venu Shipping, departed Suva at midnight on Friday carrying relief supplies under the Government’s contingency plan for the Natovi–Taveuni route.
While Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau announced the deployment of the vessel, he could not confirm whether additional trips would be made.
Mr Tuisawau said information on the number of trips would have to come from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
“The number of trips you will need to get it from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji,” he said.
Attempts by The Fiji Times to obtain the sailing schedule from MSAF were unsuccessful before this edition went to print.
However, Venu Shipping, through the contact details provided by the ministry, confirmed that only the midnight voyage had been scheduled.
Mr Tuisawau said the initiative reflected the Government’s commitment to maintaining reliable shipping services for maritime communities.
