The team at Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island were quick to respond to a mishap of a 140 feet barge which ran aground on the island resorts main beach on March 9.

The barge was carrying close to one hundred tons of cargo and headed to the Mamanuca Group.

The developing Tropical Disturbance, accompanied with strong winds and heavy swells, had resulted in the incident.

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) were immediately alerted by the Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island hotel manager Joakim Zetterberg and the following day MSAF deployed staff to the island, who took control of the situation.

Management and associates of the Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island worked closely with MSAF and assisted in the salvage operations, providing key support in ensuring there was no oil spillage or detrimental impacts to the marine ecosystem.

Mr Zetterberg said it was crucial for the team to act quickly and utmost priority was to minimise any leakage or oil spillage from the barge as this could result in blackened beaches, damages to the marine ecosystem and the main food source for neighboring villages being negatively impacted.

MSAF further coordinated the salvage exercise with Mr Zetterberg and team, salvage expertise of United Salvage Captain, Mr Drew Shannon and by March 6, the barge was successfully recovered.

“We would like to thank MSAF for leading the salvage operations, our associates for helping out and Captain Lemiki from Yanuya Island for all their efforts.”

“We are glad to facilitate communication and decision making with the relevant parties during the course and are happy that there was no oil spill and no damage to the local surrounding and environment,” says Mr Zetterberg.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj