64 search and rescue operations

ATOTAL of 64 search and rescue operations were recorded by the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre (FMRSCC) last year.

From the cases reported, FMSRCC spent approximately $90,000 on those operations.

One hundred and sixty-five people were rescued, 52 were self-rescued and 11 had been declared missing at sea.

This statistic was highlighted by the Transport Minister, Faiyaz Koya, during the opening of the new $20,000 Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) office in Pacific Harbour last week.

Mr Koya said out of the 64 search and rescue operations recorded last year, five cases were from Pacific Harbour.

“What this means is resources need to be deployed each time there is a search and rescue mission as lives are in danger and safety had been compromised,” he said.

“I’m pleading with all our seafarers, boat masters and members of the public living in this area please do take boat safety seriously, ensure your boats are surveyed and inspected regularly and that your boats meet the highest safety standard.

“Pacific Harbour as we all see it is the tourism hub of the Central Division surrounded by vast ocean and other water sources.

“It is equally important for every boat owner, master or ship operator to take safety seriously because accidents can occur within a split second.”

In opening the new MSAF office, he said government had mandated the establishment of offices as to take its services to the whole of Fiji.

“The MSAF has taken a step forward in creating more eco-friendly offices with the Pacific Harbour office being the first of its kind.

“It is a 20-foot container office with modern architectural design and open plan layout, specifically modified to fit the service it will offer.

“Over a year later, despite being thrown in the deep end by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still forging ahead.”

He said the ministry was still investing in initiatives that they knew matter to Fijians.

“That’s why this project, valued at $20,000 is more than an investment in an office space, it’s an investment in the maritime sector and our service to Fijians.”

The new office will cater for seafarers living along the Lami to Serua corridor and all its surrounding islands.

Pacific Harbour currently has a sizeable cluster of maritime operators.

Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya is briefed by David Kolitagane at the opening of the MSAF office at Pacific Harbour in Deuba last week.