Navy: Fuel crisis won't stop patrols

Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva says fuel price increase have not affected naval operations, with the Navy continuing to deploy vessels across Fiji’s waters.

In an interview today, Commodore Natuva said the Navy remained fully operational despite a global trend of reduced sea patrols caused by fuel supply pressures linked partly to conflict in the Middle East.

“For us, it hasn’t affected us,” he said, adding the Navy was currently running active deployments and continued to receive support through Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Programme.

“That will remain a priority given the impact on Fiji,” he said.

However, Commodore Natuva said the costly search for nine fishermen who disappeared on April 22 highlighted how unprepared some maritime users remained.

The fishermen departed Vatuwaqa for waters near Kadavu but never returned.

Commodore Natuva estimated the search operation, which involved New Zealand Air Force aircraft, naval vessels and helicopters, cost more than $500,000.

“Just off the top of my head, it was definitely more than $500,000,” he said.

He said initial location information provided by the group was vague and the men were not carrying life jackets, factors that severely complicated rescue efforts.

Their empty fibreglass boat was later found near Vunaniu Bay.

A farewell mass for the men was held on May 10 at Saint Pius Parish Church in Raiwaqa.

Commodore Natuva urged all mariners to carry life jackets, ensure they had sufficient fuel and check weather forecasts before heading out to sea.

“You don’t know what you’re going to encounter,” he said.