Salvage Operations To Be Complete In Two Weeks

The abandoned vessel MV ‘Gotta Go’ which has been disabled near the Lautoka foreshore since March 16, 2015 will be removed in two weeks time.

Dive Centre Fiji manager Charles Saint Julian said the superstructure of the vessel was now being removed and brought ashore.

“Fifty per cent of the vessel has been removed because we are trying to lighten the vessel,” he said.

“Once that’s done we will pump out the water in the vessel then it will be salvaged off the reef and disposed as requested by MSAF (Maritime Safety of Fiji). That will take another two weeks.”

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena questioned the delay in the removal of the vessel.

“FPCL awarded them the tender about six months ago and the vessel is still there.

“The vessel will have to be dragged and then sunk in not just any area but in an area, but with at least half-a-kilometre in depth,” he said.

While in operation the vessel operated from Port Denarau, taking trips to the Mamanuca Islands.

Edited by Percy Kean

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