Despite a visible dent, broken roof and other damages on inter-island vessel Liahona 1, Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) managing director George Goundar will have nothing to do with its repairing.

Mr Goundar yesterday said claims made by Liahona 1 management were rubbish, saying that he was yet to receive a report of the incident.

“For me to pay the cost of the damages won’t happen,” Mr Goundar said.

On Tuesday (November 3, 2020) there was an incident that South Island Shipping alleges involved the Goundar vessel Lomaiviti Princess 5 and the South Island Shipping (SIS) vessel Liahona 1.

According to South Island Shipping operation manager, Navin Prasad, Liahona 1 was berthed at the Walu Bay jetty when Lomaiviti Princess 5 moved to the anchorage.

“Lomaiviti Princess 5 had left the jetty when they realised that a truck offloading gas cylinders was still inside the LP5,” Mr Prasad said.

“By then they were halfway into the harbour away from the jetty. In his haste, the captain reversed hurriedly back to the jetty,” he alleged.

“He rammed onto the left side of Liahona 1 causing the dent, fallen roof and displacing the frame of our vessel.

“There were some of our crew members inside, and on the jetty; luckily there were some people who saw Lomaiviti Princess 5 reversing yelled out to our crew members to warn them.

“Lucky none of the 11 crew members on and around our vessel that day was injured.”

Mr Prasad claimed the cost of the damages was around $25,000.

“Other damages include both the stand rooms broken.

“We want Goundar Shipping to pay the cost of the damages,”

Damages allegedly sustained on the side of the South Island Shipping vessel Liahona 1 on November 6,
2020. Photo: Laiseana Nasiga

Soon after the incident, the matter was lodged with Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), and Fiji Port Corporation Limited (FPCL).

“On the same day, we tried to contact owner George Goundar, but was unsuccessful, we then lodged a complaint with the Police.”

“It has been one week already, there is still no word from MSAF and FPCL,” he said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro has confirmed that a complaint was lodged and the matter was resolved between the two parties.

Mr Prasad alleged the Tuesday incident was the second time one of their vessels was involved with a Goundar Shipping vessel.

“We have reported the February incident to MSAF yet no action has been taken; it will be no surprise if nothing is done about the recent incident.”

Questions sent to MSAF and FPCL were still not answered when this edition went to press.

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