Simione Tuvuki 
[File Photo]
A plan is in place to address the issue of stranded crew in abandoned fishing vessels in the Suva Harbor, says the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
MSAF says it will collaborate with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and Department of Immigration to repatriate the individuals to their countries of residence.
MSAF chief executive officer, Joeli Cawaki said the majority of the crew were from China and other parts of Asia, and they have been stranded after their fishing vessels were no longer operational and abandoned by owners.
“They came in with the boat as fishermen. And so they are stuck, literally stuck, and the owners have left and also, abandoned the boat. They abandoned the vessel and abandoned the crew. This issue has been taken care of by Customs and Immigration.”
Cawaki said a survey conducted by MSAF confirmed the presence of stranded crew in abandoned fishing vessels, but even though the number were unknown, there were plans to finalize their repatriation early next year.
The MSAF CEO said they are also looking to address the issue of abandoned fishing vessels, seeking support to initially remove the targeted 34 derelict vessels in the Suva Harbour.
MSAF said it also plans to expand its efforts, in terms of the removal of derelict vessels, to other harbours in Fiji.
