Goundar Apologises After Vessel Runs Aground

Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL) has issued a public apology following a maritime incident involving its vessel, Lomaiviti Princess 6, which ran aground earlier this week near Ono-i-Lau.

"The GSL Management would like to sincerely thank the people of Ono-i-Lau for your tremendous support following the mishap involving Lomaiviti Princess 6," said Director George Goundar in an official statement yesterday.

"We acknowledge and appreciate your assistance in ensuring the passengers were safely brought ashore," Mr Goundar said.

"We sincerely apologise to the passengers onboard for any inconvenience this incident may have caused and thank you for your understanding.

"Thank you all for your patience and cooperation. The vessel is now en route to Suva."

The incident has once again placed GSL under scrutiny, prompting renewed concerns about the company's operational standards and maritime safety record.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has confirmed it is investigating the matter.

MSAF chief executive officer Joweli Cawaki said: "We have received a report. Lomaiviti Princess 12 has left on Tuesday to salvage the vessel."

While full details of the mishap is still unclear, Mr Cawaki confirmed that the vessel had passengers on board en route to the Lau Group.

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive officer Joweli Cawaki. Photo: Inoke Rabonu

"Yes, it was carrying passengers. Passenger numbers cannot be confirmed," he said.

"There have been no complaints. It's all under control at the moment."

Passengers were transferred from the grounded vessel onto small boats by villagers from Ono-i-Lau as they stepped in to assist with ferrying passengers to nearby islands on Monday.

Mr Cawaki also confirmed that the vessel had been cleared by MSAF before departure.

"MSAF surveyed the vessel and checked it before it left for Lau," he said.

In light of this and other recent incidents, MSAF has indicated that a broader compliance audit of Goundar Shipping's operations was imminent.

"We are about to carry out an audit to review operations of this shipping operator-all vessels," Mr Cawaki said.

"We will begin investigations when all information is received," Mr Cawaki added.

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