Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) will take legal action against the owner of sunken fishing vessel, Rising 26, if they do not comply with the 21-day Removal Order notice.

As of yesterday, the vessel was not salvaged yet.

The fishing vessel belonging to an Asian company was partially sunk in the anchorage at sea in front of the Civic Center area in Suva three weeks ago.

A Removal Order was issued to the owner by FPCL. FPCL chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena says the owner is aware of the deadline and procedures to be followed.

“If he does not remove his vessel on time, then FPCL will take legal action.”

Mr Piyasena also stated that they had advised the vessel owner of what steps to take.

“The owner is still negotiating with other companies about the removal of his vessel.

“The removal order is for 21 days and the owner is well aware of this timeline,” Mr Piyasena added.

A derelict vessel is one that is abandoned in a harbour or port for 21 days and has insufficient manpower on board to operate. FPCL follows set procedures to strictly enforce the powers invested in the corporation by the Act.