A major investigation is now underway to determine how government tug boat No.7 sank while berthed alongside the IMEL floating dock on the 26th of last month.

Navy Commander Francis Kean said he can confirm that the tug boat sank at about 9.20 in the morning.

Commander Kean said the tug boat had come off the slip after all the underwater repairs were completed and was tied alongside the floating dock awaiting additional repairs to her superstructure.

He said the investigation process began immediately after the sinking and the Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration was advised.

Commander Kean said FIMSA placed a stop work order on any further operations at the floating dock.

He said IMEL is now talking to their insurance brokers after the incident and Commander Kean confirmed that they are also talking to their lawyers, and have had several meetings with IMEL and FIMSA regarding the sinking of the government tug boat.

The Navy Commander also confirmed that IMEL has been attempting since day one to refloat the vessel.

He said the latest information available is that they have now hired a dive company to conduct the operation and are now awaiting additional air bags from New Zealand.

Several attempts have been made to speak to IMEL but we have been unsuccessful.

The cause of the sinking is unknown at this stage.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of FIMSA Felix Maharaj said they have completed the investigation in relation to the sinking of the government tug boat No.7 and are now compiling the report.

The report will then be submitted to the Marine Board which will decide whether an inquiry should be held into the incident before the court of law.

Stay with us as we will have more on the sinking of the Government Tug Boat No.7 as more information comes to hand.


Story by: Vijay Narayan