Letters: Ferry Services

Interisland ferry services provided by Sea Road, Interlink and Goundar Shipping are a major link between Vanua Levu and V iti Levu via Nabouwalu, Natovi and Ellington ports.

This can become one of the major transp o r tation modes for people of these two major islands. The ferry services are operating day and night as if there is a race at sea. Considering these, there are some risks and threats associated with such operations if they are not well monitored and censored.

Recently, I travelled to Vanua Levu and returned via Natovi and Nabouwalu ports.

What is more sickening is that the reporting time to board a bus is at times one to two hours prior to, and many times buses do not arrive on time.

Secondly, the reporting time to board a boat is one hour prior and boats do not arrive on time and as such passengers undergo challenges and in frustrating situations, in particular, the sick, physically challenging and senior and oldies passengers.

Many at times when boats are about to berth at ports, there is another boat anchored.

And despite the berthing boat horning more than three or more times, the boat at anchor never takes heed or makes way, thus the berthing boat floats around.

This can end up with boats either hitting the anchors, reefs or run aground. Moreover, long hours of travelling become even worse when the passengers float around at sea, thus it becomes a waste of time and hinders drop-off times where the relatives of passenger have been waiting for hours to greet them.

It is humbly requested if Marine Masters are more proactive, Marine safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) and the Government's relevant relevant bodies be more vigilant and take necessary actions to address the matter.

The schedule time for departure and arrival must be met promptly and consistently.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj