Discussions are underway to salvage the sunken MV Suilven by relevant authorities.

This was confirmed yesterday afternoon by the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL).

FPCL chief executive officer, Vajira Piyasena said the Corporation is looking at bringing in foreign experts to carry out the salvage operation.

Mr Piyasena said negotiations would be to decide on their plans for the ship which was now lying under the Suva Harbour seabed.

“Currently, discussions are underway to salvage the sunken MV Suilven.

“Since there is lack of local expertise and equipment to carry out the salvage operation, most likely we will be bringing in foreign experts to assist in salvaging the sunken vessel,” Mr Piyasena said.

“Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) will conduct investigations regarding the incident leading up to the sinking of the vessel but no comprehensive assessment has been done.

“We have obtained quotations from local and overseas companies to carry out this exercise. We will bring in an expert to conduct this assessment,” Mr Piyasena said.

He added a proper assessment would be done to see if the ship causes an imminent threat.

“At the moment there are no confirmed threats to the environment. But both MSAF and FPCL have equipment’s on standby should there be any signs of oil spill from the vessel. Once the assessment is completed, we will be in a better position to comment further.

Mr Piyasena added that they would only be able to ascertain the salvaging cost once the comprehensive assessment is complete.

“Currently, for the cost of the assessment alone we are looking at approximately FJD80,000,” he revealed.