Inter island  shipping services may not resume any time soon after Tropical Cyclone Winston left behind a huge destruction to major jetty infrastructures.

Jetties at Nabouwalu, Savusavu, two on Taveuni Island and Koro are among infrastructures deemed un-operational at the moment.

In addition to this, some inter-island ferries that ran aground at the height of the cyclone will have to first undergo checks by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.

In Nabouwalu, the Patterson Brothers Shipping Limited’s vessels MV Spirit of Love and MV Spirit of Altruism broke their mooring lines and were blown aground off Natovi, according to a local television report. Questions sent to PBSL remained unanswered with this edition went to press.

In Suva, Goundar Shipping Limited confirmed that all its three vessels were safe. However, two of its vessels, MV Lomaiviti Princess and MV Lomaiviti Princess III were out on emergency relief assistance to outer islands.

GSL owner, George Goundar said his third vessel MV Lomaiviti Princess II is currently sheltering in Rotuma.

“Our domestic services are currently suspended until further notice as most jetties are badly damaged,” Mr Goundar added.

Venu Shipping Limited owned vessels MV Sinu-iwasa and MV Sinu-i-wasa Tolu were affected during the cyclone in Ovalau.

Pictures obtained after the disaster showed one of their vessels grounded at Toki Village while the second vessel partially submerged at the Levuka port. Company owner Ben Naidu was not available for comment.

Bligh Water Shipping Limited’s vessel, MV Westerland was also reported stranded at Balaga Bay in Savusavu.

CAROLINE RATUCADRA

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