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Oil leaks sealed, risks of more spills remain
MSAF, the Fiji Ports Corporation and the Environment Ministry were marshalling resources to drain fuel and oils from the 'Suilven', which sank in the harbour 10 years ago, and remove the vessel. With the help from Dive Centre upon Fiji the leaks have been sealed and the oil leakage stopped. It came from the hull and was likely heavy fuel oil or marine diesel oil, with both posing environmental risks. The ministry was aware of the potential risks of reoccurrence and is working with MSAF and Fiji Ports to secure resources to refloat and drain out all oils and fuels. The 'Suilven', which was owned by the Venu Shipping since 2012, capsized in Suva Harbour o nNov 24, 2015. There were no passengers aboard at the time and the crew was rescued. The vessel owner has ignored court orders to remove pollutants and salvage and dispose of the wreck. Faced with a potential bill for $1.36 million to recover and/or scuttle 34 abandoned vessels around the Harbour MSAF has opted to hand the work to steel recyclers. The joint committee on derelict vessel removal had exhausted all the legal provisions so that the safe and proper disposal of abandoned or derelict vessels could progress and is now surveying a suitable site for scuttling, but towing them to deep water is expensive.
Wreck is leaking oil
The 'Suilven' is leaking fuel badly at the Suva Harbour. The spill is bubbling to the surface covering the surf spot and going out to sea. The Permanent Secretary for Environment was aware of the spill. The CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has deployed personnel to look into the matter. The Fiji Ports Authority were looking into this matter as they tried to control and mitigate any deadly environmental impacts from the spill.
Owners to seek financial support for salvage
The owners of the "Suilven" has been advised to seek financial assistance to salvage the vessel. Recovering the ship will cost around 20 million dollars. The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited CEO Vaijira Piasena said the company has been trying to secure financing for the salvaging of the sunken ferry, however they have made no real progress so far. The next step will basically to see what other lower cost are and whether salvaging options were there, looking at other salvaging people and also we have asked Venu Shipping to look into that.
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