Owners confirm sinking of MV Spirit of Altruism in Lami Bay

The owners of the MV Spirit of Altruism have confirmed the vessel has sunk in about three metres of water on the fringes of Draunibota Bay in Lami.

According to the ship owner, strong winds on Sunday night reportedly pushed the vessel onto a nearby reef, causing a small leak in the hull.

However, the owners said they were not informed of the incident until late Wednesday afternoon, when they were told the ship had developed “a slight list”.

On Thursday morning, workers were sent to inspect the vessel and carry out repairs, but the owners said workers from Fiji Ships were already onboard plugging the leak.

The MV Spirit of Altruism had been shortlisted for removal under the US$1 million Blue Prosperity Fiji initiative aimed at salvaging derelict vessels from Suva Harbour.

The owners noted that by March 2026, only 13 of the 20 targeted ships had been removed.

They also confirmed that most of the fuel and oil onboard had already been removed, saying a video circulating on social media showing fuel around the sunken vessel was caused by “residual pockets only”.

The ship owner now hopes the Blue Prosperity salvage project will prioritise the urgent and safe removal of the MV Spirit of Altruism.