Fire breaks out on Lomaiviti Princess VIII at Port Mua-i-Walu

A fire broke out this afternoon on a passenger vessel at Suva’s Port Mua-i-Walu.

The vessel, Lomaiviti Princess VIII, owned by Goundar Shipping Limited, caught fire while docked at the port.

Thick smoke was seen rising from the ship as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

Three fire trucks arrived within five minutes and worked to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

A witness, Senivalati Cami, said the fire appeared to have started near the ship’s generator area.

“That’s where I first saw the flames,” Mr Cami said.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Attempts to obtain a comment from shipping line owner George Goundar were unsuccessful.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) in a statement this evening confirmed the fire incident.

"The authority confirms that investigations will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and to establish further details surrounding the incident. MSAF will provide updates as more information becomes available," the statement read.