Rusting ships threaten village fishing grounds

In the coastal village of Culanuku in Serua Province, villagers are raising alarm over two abandoned and derelict ships sitting on their shoreline.

They warn that the vessels could damage marine life and threaten their way of life. Community members claim the rusting skeletons of the ships are environmental concerns, with fears they could cause oil leak, harm their marine life and cause pollution on their fishing grounds.

For a community that relies heavily on the sea for food and income, the situation has created growing unease.

Tribal head Apisalome Tui said villagers were deeply worried about the future of their waters and livelihoods.

“Our people rely on the sea every single day. If these ships leak oil or toxic waste into our waters, it will destroy the marine life that feeds our families,” Mr Tui said.

He said the abandoned vessels had remained on the shores for an extended period, leaving villagers frustrated and feeling ignored.

“We have raised our concerns because this is not just about ships sitting there. This is about our environment, our fishing grounds and the future of our children,” Mr Tui said.

Villagers claim the derelict ships had become an increasing danger to their environment and nearby communities, especially during rough weather conditions. Residents are now calling on authorities to urgently intervene before irreversible damage is done.

“We cannot wait until there is a major spill or disaster before action is taken. Government and relevant authorities must act now to remove these ships before our marine ecosystem is destroyed.”

For the people of Culanuku, the sea is more than just water, it is their source of life, culture and identity. As the abandoned ships continue to sit idle on their shores, villagers fear time may be running out to protect the fragile marine environment they have depended on for generations.

Meanwhile, Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya said the ministry would investigate the matter.