The Ministry of Transport confirms that due to safety reasons, it stopped the MV Westerland from sailing to Rotuma yesterday afternoon.
Ministry Spokesperson Sainiana Waqainabete confirmed that there were 400 passengers who have paid their fares for the trip to Rotuma and the number had to be reduced to 244 as the lives of the passengers is paramount.
Waqainabete said a survey was conducted by the Fiji Islands Marine Safety Administration surveyors at the Bligh Water Shipping vessel and found to be OHS compliant.
However, Waqainabete said the Ministry's only concern is the number of passengers which needed to be reduced.
Waqainabete made it clear that regulations must be followed to ensure the safety of the passengers at all times.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua
MV Westerland stopped from sailing to Rotuma
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