Other Ports Including Port Denarau Marina Sustained Damages

Port Denarau Marina mooring did sustain some damages but nothing major, says Chief Executive Officer Cynthia Rasch.

A few of its moorings sustained damages at the height of the TC Harold on Wednesday last week.

Ms Rasch said, “We have concluded our assessment and will be commencing with repair as soon as we are able to acquire materials.”

She said yachts are better placed during this time of COVID-19 as during their passage to Fiji, they are isolated at sea and can easily fulfil the quarantine requirements that are in place.

“Commercial operations can no longer move passengers to and from islands due to the ban on inter island passenger movements, however there have been interest from barges to carry repair materials and supplies to outer islands,” added Ms Rasch.

“Businesses, commercial tenancies and all operators in the marina have been affected greatly by COVID-19 as borders have closed and the tourism sector coming to a complete standstill.

“Denarau has become a ghost town with only a handful of businesses operating with reduced hours.”

Port Denarau has been closed for foreign flagged vessels since 30 th of March.

“We are hopeful that this ban will be lifted soon so that the yachting industry can continue generating revenue for the Fijian economy,” she said.

Musket Cove Island

Musket Cove Island Resort’s marina sustained minor damages on its mooring.

Resort manager Joe Mar said: “We’ve had a few repairs to make and a bit of a mess to clean up, but we have been very lucky to only sustain very minor damage during Cyclone Harold, which passed near us on Wednesday.

“We Fijians are resilient and will have our island home marina looking better than ever in no time,” he added.

Damaged boats at RSYC

The Royal Suva Yacht Club Vice Commodore Patrick Todd said the mooring was not affected but fortunately, they lost two boats Happy II and The Boardroom.

“As last week because of the lockdown most owners could not make it to their boats (those living outside the lockdown areas) but had arranged for their mates to secure their vessels,” said Mr Todd.

“Most of us living in the Delainavesi side were fortunate to have the Police escort some of us to the club and help secure boats at the club.”

He said some adhered to the warnings and some did not bother about the security of their boats.

“There will be a few letters and emails in circulation soon to boat owners to take better responsibility in times like this and follow directions by the club.

“The two boat owners who lost their boat because they were complacement to the warnings.

“They too will be receiving letters on cost owed to the club for the damages they have caused because of it,” he said.

Vuda Marina Fiji financial controller Alzad Ali said: “There doesn’t appear to be any significant structural damage to the marina or to anyone’s vessels.

“Mainly just some garden damage which will grow back sure enough.”

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