Lomaiviti Princess 7 to Pick Stranded Passengers in Lau

Lomaiviti Princess VII (LP7) will pick passengers stranded on Vanuabalavu, Lau, today.

This was after Lomaiviti Princess IX (LP9) hit the reef at Lomaloma on Saturday on her way to Suva.

Goundar Shipping Limited managing director George Goundar confirmed that LP7 would also take the parts that were needed to repair LP9.

“I am waiting for LP7 to arrive from Rotuma tonight (Sunday) and take the parts across. It was just that LP9 touched the reef and took in a bit of water,” Mr Goundar said.

“They have assessed LP9, and it is minor damage, but for the safety of passengers, we are sending another vessel because I don’t want any doubt.”

Mr Goundar said he was grateful no one was hurt.

“The problem with Lau is that most of the reefs are not marked and this is not one of our regular captains. This is a new captain who went to Lau,” he said.

“Everyone is safe. We have taken people to shore and there are few passengers onboard who want to stay onboard.”

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is aware of the incident, and is working with Goundar Shipping.

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