Fiji’s shipping tycoon George Goundar is planning to press charges after allegations that the crew members of the Lomaiviti Princess 3 (LP3) ship were threatened last week by Sosiceni Rokotuiviwa from Gau.

The incident happened after Mr Rokotuiviwa’s wife allegedly jumped off the LP3 into a fiberglass punt after dropping off a five-year-old child in the ship on Monday night.

Mr Goundar said the LP3 was anchored at the Qarani Jetty for two hours before it departed.

“Only 15 minutes remained, and we had already made an announcement for passengers who weren’t travelling to disembark. The engine had already started, and we had issued the call. However, the man’s wife was still on the ship, engaging in conversation and delaying the departure,” Mr Goundar alleged.

“The husband threatened us, accusing us of mistreating people, but that’s not the case. If you’re asked to leave the boat, you should leave. What reason is there to remain on the boat?” Mr Goundar questioned.

“I’ve been in this industry for 11 years, and we’ve never encountered an issue like this. These behaviours are not representative of all Gau people.

“We had a government franchise to provide our services to these people, but this is the kind of situation that arises when we do, which is why we hesitate to engage with them.”

Mr Goundar said it was disappointing that the crew members of LP3 were threatened.

“If you’re confident enough to make allegations like that, then why don’t you have your own means of transportation? I haven’t met him yet, but I’ve seen his story on Facebook. I intend to press charges because he lied and threatened us.”

Mr Rokotuiviwa claimed that the crew used offensive language towards passengers on board the LP3.

Goundar Shipping Limited’s Lomaiviti Princess III at the Suva Harbour. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“The crew was impolite, using foul language towards passengers, and lacked customer service skills. Vehicles and passengers had only 15 minutes to board LP3, and when the vessel started moving, some cargo was still on the jetty,” Mr Rokotuiviwa alleged.

“My wife had to jump from the LP3 to a fiberglass boat because it didn’t stop. Passengers were still paying their fares, and drivers had to adjust how they parked inside the LP3 while it was in motion. What if something had happened to my wife? Allowing just 15 minutes for vehicles and passengers to board LP3 is unacceptable.

“He is concerned about his crew, but what about the people they serve? My wife gave birth just a year ago, and something could have happened because the LP3 was out on the reef, and it was nighttime,” Mr. Rokotuiviwa expressed.

Questions were sent to Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) but no response was received when this edition went to press.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj