Concerned Citizen Calls for Enhanced Patrols and Community Engagement to Address Suva Harbour Fuel Spill

A concerned citizen has raised alarms over a potential fuel spill in Suva Harbour, urging the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), the Ministry of Environment, and Fiji Ports Corporation to take immediate action.

The individual reported seeing a 44-gallon drum marked with Total Energies floating in the harbour on Tuesday, with no visible fuel slick at the time.

However, by the next morning, a fuel slick was observed moving towards the main harbour, suggesting a possible additional source of contamination.

In a plea to the authorities, the citizen suggested implementing a daily morning patrol between 6 to 7 am along the channel from Suva Harbour Passage to Nukulau and Makaluva Passage.

This patrol could help detect and address any overnight dumping of fuel or other pollutants.

Additionally, the citizen recommended engaging with the paddling community, including outrigger and standup paddlers, the Uto Ni Yalo Trust, Fiji Yachting, and the surfing and boating communities, to act as spotters and report any suspicious activities or spills.