Bligh Water Shipping Limited has confirmed that the MV Westerland left for Rotuma last night after the trip was delayed by the Ministry of Transport due to safety reasons.

The company sought the approval of the Ministry of Transport to take 400 passengers who have already paid their fares but the numbers were reduced to 244 passengers.

Ministry of Transport spokesperson, Sainiana Waqainabete said a survey was conducted by the Fiji Islands Marine Safety Administration surveyors at the Bligh Water Shipping vessel and they found it to be OHS compliant.

However, Waqainabete said the Ministry's only concern was the number of passengers which needed to be reduced.

Waqainabete made it clear that the regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of the passengers at all times.

Meanwhile Bligh Water Shipping Limited has not confirmed its next trip to Rotuma.


Story by: Watisoni Butabua