Lomaiviti Princess VI, is more than a passenger vessel to the people around Natuvu and those on Taveuni island.

According to Goundar Shipping Limited director George Goundar the vessel is providing free service to the sick.

“Lomaiviti Princess VI is on 24 hours standby in Taveuni for sick patients who need to be transported to Natuvu to meet medical specialists who avail their services there,” Mr Goundar said.

“This is a free of charge service, it is one way we are giving back to those who support us in our business,” he said.

Natuvu is a non-denominational faith-based and non-profit organisation entity for visiting medical individuals, families, university students and teams seeking to serve the people of Fiji and enjoy Fiji’s unspoiled beauty.

“Lomaiviti Princess VI is based in Taveuni; whenever a sick person needs e transport to Natuvu, they contact us and we take them to Natuvu free of charge.

Mr Goundar said they had been providing this service for a number of years but it has been enhanced with the arrival of Lomaiviti Princess VI early this year.

“Next year we plan to introduce these free medical trips in Yasayasa Moala in the Lau group.

“We plan to get doctors and nurses from New Zealand next year and take them on a health trip in one our vessels up to the Lau group.

“We had done the same for Lomaiviti group a few years back and we hope to do the same next year.”