Crane Falls On Crew, Ministry Begins Probe
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has given the vessel “no clearance” for operation and departure until the green light is given by MSAF for operation
The Ministry of Employment is investigating an incident where the crane on a local shipping vessel broke and fell on two men.
The incident happened on October 8, 2018 at Port Muaiwalu on board the Victoria Marine Limited ship, MV Brianna.
Employment Minister Jone Usamate said they were looking into the matter.
Kasabias Limited logistics manager Sanjay Narayan confirmed that the men were employees of the hardware company.
He said about two to three of their delivery vehicles were at the port that afternoon when the incident happened.
“They were delivering items to be taken to Lau at around 2pm to 3pm, the incident happened slightly before 5pm,” Mr Narayan said.
“Immediately after the incident happened we were told about it by one of our staff who was there.
“One of two injured personnel was discharged from Colonial War Memorial Hospital while the other is still admitted. He is recovering well.”
Mr Narayan said they employed about 80 people at their Central Warehouse and it was the first time that such an incident happened to their employees while on the job.
He said they were liaising with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) about the matter.
Operations manager Serai Roxburgh said compliance with safety issues need to be upheld, especially in port areas.
When contacted by the Fiji Sun Victoria Marine Limited operations manager Felix Maharaj said he was not aware of the incident.
However, Fiji Sun visited their office in Walu Bay and the Human Resources Department general manager, Akuila Tagi, said the incident happened last week when the ship’s crane fell.
He added that they had mounted a new crane and had been given clearance by the MSAF to sail.
Mr Tagi said they did not wish to divulge detailed information because the Police had gathered their statements and an investigation was underway.
He also mentioned that they did not want the matter to be published in the daily newspaper.
Fiji Ports Corporation Limited acting chief operating officer and Suva Harbour Master Captain Laisiasa Gonewai confirmed the incident and said a stop order was issued.
“Please note that FPCL has given the vessel “no clearance” for operation and departure until the green light is given by MSAF for operation,” Captain Gonewai said.
MSAF spokesperson Mere Naleba later confirmed that MV Brianna had been given clearance to sail pending investigations.
Fiji Police Force spokesperson Ana Naisoro said a report was lodged and initial investigations had been conducted and had forwarded the matter to the Employment Ministry.
Edited by Percy Kean
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