MSAF confirms oil spill contained after vessel sinks near Lami

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji says oil spill containment and monitoring operations have been completed following the sinking of the abandoned vessel Spirit of Altruism near Draunibota Bay, Lami.

In a statement, MSAF confirmed it had worked closely with Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and other stakeholders to coordinate the oil spill response after the vessel capsized early on Saturday morning.

“The oil spill has been successfully contained, with no further response action currently required,” MSAF stated.

The authority said it had completed its response and monitoring responsibilities and would continue liaising with relevant stakeholders regarding removal of the wreck.

The abandoned vessel had remained stranded within Suva Port for more than three years before overturning after days of instability.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited confirmed the vessel suffered severe damage earlier this week after strong winds on May 4 caused it to drag anchor and strike a sunken wreck.

The collision breached the hull, causing the vessel to take on water.

Temporary repairs were attempted in an effort to stabilise the vessel, but uncontrolled flooding continued, eventually leading to a severe list and capsizing.

FPCL said its Harbour Master Port of Suva team, together with local vessel operators, responded immediately to the incident.

A localised diesel sheen was treated using Sea Kleen while the site continued to be monitored for environmental impacts.

Authorities confirmed there were no reported injuries and port safety operations remained under control.

FPCL said salvage assessments and environmental monitoring would continue to ensure the vessel no longer posed navigational or environmental hazards.

The corporation also confirmed it was pursuing legal action against the owner of Spirit of Altruism for vessel abandonment and failure to comply with removal directives under the Sea Port Management Act.