Fiji - Shipwreck Log

On the night of June 1, the 60 meter long ro-ro passenger ferry Lomaiviti Princess 2 (IMO: 7824924) capsized and partially sank in Walu Bay at Suva Harbour, Fiji. A tugboat had towed the unmanned Lomaiviti Princess 2 away from the jetty when it had lost stability and developed a sharp a starboard list. As the list increased, the passenger ferry took on water until it capsized and partially sank in 5 meters of water. There were no injuries.

Lomaiviti Princess II — Photo: fijitimes.com

Authorities placed booms around the vessel, but diesel fuel pollution was not totally contained. A visible sheen of diesel fuel can be seen in Suva harbour. Authorities have issued a coastal warning and placed yellow buoys to indicate the boundary of the oil pollution. Reports state the Lomaiviti Princess 2 had been moored at the jetty since 2019 and had been used as a dumping ground. No reports if Fiji authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident, how the pollution will be mitigated and when the ferry will be salvaged or removed.

Long Jia Ming 6

October 21, 2017 Paul Hancock

On October 17, the 29.7 meter long, 98 gt fishing vessel Long Jia Ming 6 caught fire while berthed at the Fiji Fish Jetty. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room and quickly spread through the superstructure. The crew attempted to extinguish the blaze, but their efforts were in vain. The crew were forced to abandoned ship and authorities had the Long Jia Ming 6 towed away from the jetty and beached away from other vessels.

The local fire brigade was able to extinguish the fire, but not after much of the superstructure and hull of the Long Jia Ming 6 was burned away. Reports state the fuel tanks of the Long Jia Ming 6 had leaked due to the fire and pollution was spotted around the wreck. No reports of injuries.

Long Jia Ming 6

Southern Phoenix

May 6, 2017 Paul Hancock

The 88 meter long, 4285 dwt cargo vessel Southern Phoenix capsized and sank in Suva Harbor, Fiji. The Southern Phoenix was berthed loading containers when it suffered water ingress. The crew attempted to stop the inflow, but the flooding could not be contained. The cargo vessel began to list to its port side as it continued to fill with water. Eventually the crew decided there was nothing they could do and evacuated the vessel. The mooring lines were cut loose and a tug pulled the Southern Phoenix away from the berth.

The Southern Phoenix capsized and sank just a short distance away from the pier. Multiple containers broke free and spilled into the water. Several floated and were secured with ropes. Authorities deployed booms around the partially sunken Southern Phoenix to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries.