Successful Recovery of Grounded Ferry Near Moala Island, Fiji

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and Goundar Shipping, a local ferry company, successfully recovered one of the company’s ferries that had grounded overnight. The incident occurred on November 27 when the Lomaiviti Princess VII, a Ro-Ro ferry with a capacity for cars and trucks, ran aground on a reef near Moala Island in Fiji. The authorities closely monitored the situation as 245 passengers were onboard the stranded vessel. Emergency response measures were immediately implemented, with life jackets provided to passengers and crew. Fortunately, there were no reports of hull damage or water ingress.

Efforts to refloat the vessel initially failed, leading to the deployment of another ferry, the Lady Daya, to assist. Passengers were transferred to the Lady Daya for safety, but the Lomaiviti Princess VII was successfully refloated during high tide. Divers inspected the hull and confirmed minimal damage, allowing the vessel to resume its journey with passengers bound for Totoya and Matuka. Meanwhile, the Lady Daya continued its trip to Moala and Sava after a 12-hour delay. Goundar Shipping, the ferry company involved, has faced previous safety concerns and service issues, including incidents in 2019 and earlier in 2024. Despite these challenges, the company expressed confidence in regaining passengers’ trust.

In a coordinated effort, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and Goundar Shipping managed to recover a ferry that had grounded near Moala Island. The Lomaiviti Princess VII, carrying 245 passengers, ran aground on a reef, prompting emergency response actions. Despite initial difficulties in refloating the vessel, the Lady Daya ferry was deployed to assist in transferring passengers and aiding in the recovery operation. Divers inspected the hull for damage, allowing the Lomaiviti Princess VII to resume its journey with minimal disruptions. Goundar Shipping, the ferry company involved, has faced safety concerns and service issues in the past but remains committed to improving its operations and passenger experience.

The successful recovery of the grounded ferry near Moala Island involved a joint effort between the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and Goundar Shipping. The Lomaiviti Princess VII, a Ro-Ro ferry, was stranded on a reef with 245 passengers onboard, prompting emergency response measures. Despite initial challenges in refloating the vessel, the Lady Daya ferry was directed to assist in passenger transfer and recovery efforts. Divers confirmed minimal hull damage, allowing the Lomaiviti Princess VII to continue its journey with passengers bound for Totoya and Matuka. Goundar Shipping, the ferry company involved, acknowledged past service issues and expressed confidence in regaining passenger trust through improved operations and service standards.

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