Work on the removal of the sunken fishing vessel Rising 26  from the Suva Harbour has started.

The South Pacific Dive and Salvage (SPDS) have been awarded the contract.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena said the vessel was supposed to be removed last week but the salvaging company ran into some difficulties on their equipment.

According to Mr Piyasena  SPDS has managed to lift the vessel out of the seafloor and has stopped because of this problem.

He said water was also coming in the rudder stock area which had cause additional problem.

“At the moment the company is now trying to complete resealing this area again before next refloating attempt which will take place this week,” Mr Piyasena said.

The Fiji Sun  sent queries to the general manager SPDS Bowber Lance there was no response from him.

This salvaging company SPDS took over after the Pacific Marine and Civil Solution reimbursed the sum of $35,000 back to the Sunshine Fisheries Limited due to other commitment.

The fishing vessel Rising 26  belongs to an Asian Company.

This company was already given a one notice and Mr Piyasena said they were glad that the removal work had started.