Injured Seafarer Awaits Answers, Compensation

Nearly two months after a devastating workplace accident cost him half his foot, Samisoni Dauloloma, 23, is still waiting for answers, from investigators, regulators, and his employer. The seafarer, who was seriously injured in a berthing accident aboard Lomaiviti Princess 11, told the Fiji Sun he has not received a single update from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) or his employer, Goundar Shipping Limited, since being discharged from hospital. “I have still not received anything or even been updated on the investigations,” Mr Dauloloma said from his home in Tamavua, Suva, where he is now recovering with the help of crutches. Mr Dauloloma, who had only been working for Goundar Shipping for one month at the time of the accident, lost half of his foot after a heavy hydraulic ramp, used during the docking process, suddenly dropped onto him during berthing operations at Natovi Landing in Tailevu. The incident occurred on a Sunday morning in March as the vessel arrived from Levuka. Mr Dauloloma and a fellow crew member were attempting to secure the vessel when the ram malfunctioned, crushing his left foot. Despite wearing safety boots, the injuries were so severe that doctors were forced to amputate. “There has been no communication at all from the company to me or my family ever since it happened,” he said. “I’m just waiting now for my next medical review so I can get my certificate and take the next steps with the Ministry of Labour.” The Fiji Sun has contacted MSAF for an official comment but has yet to receive a response. Goundar Shipping founder and director George Goundar told this newspaper the company is still waiting on the outcome of the investigation. MSAF chief executive Joweli Cawaki earlier confirmed that a probe was underway and described the incident as preventable, raising questions about safety protocols aboard the vessel.