The owner of the vessel MV Spirit of Altruism have confirmed that most fuel and oil had been removed before the vessel sunk in about three metres of water off Draunibota Bay in Lami yesterday.
The vessel was damaged during strong winds last Sunday, when it was reportedly pushed onto a nearby reef and sustained a ‘small hull breach’.
However, the owner, through a press statement issued by Lami resident Culden Kamea, said they were not informed of the incident until late Wednesday afternoon, when they were told the vessel had developed a “slight list”.
By Thursday morning, workers were dispatched to assess the damage and carry out repairs where they found personnel from Fiji Ships already on board, working to plug the leak and stabilise the vessel.
Despite these efforts, the ship eventually sank in shallow waters off the bay.
“The vessel had been listed for removal under a US$1 million derelict vessel salvage programme led by Blue Prosperity Fiji, aimed at clearing derelict vessels from Suva Harbour and nearby waters,” Mr Kamea said in the statement.
“The owner noted that only 13 of the 20 targeted vessels had been removed, with several still posing environmental and navigation risks.
“They said video circulating on social media showing a fuel sheen around the wreck reflects only small residual pockets, not an active spill.”
The owner is now calling for urgent salvage under the program, warning that delays could make recovery more difficult.
