SUVA, Nov 1 (NNN-PIN) – The Fijian Navy responded to and rescued about 60 cases of distress at sea so far, this year alone, local media reported today (Friday).
According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Commander Navy Captain, Humphrey Tawake, said today that, these cases involved the saving of 200 lives, including maritime islanders, fishing boat crew and international sailors.
There are a lot of movements within the islands, in terms of transportation, sea commerce, internal and domestic movements, he said, adding that, the Fijian Navy has a wider responsibility, in terms of search and rescue, as they also look after the two island nations of Tuvalu and Kiribati.
Tawake said, the Fijian Navy has a huge international obligation to play, on behalf of the government.
He said, last year, there were close to 200 incidents at sea, where 320 lives were saved by the Fijian Navy and emergency services.
On Thursday, the Navy and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), signed an agreement to ensure that safety at sea will always remain their priority, for the islands under their jurisdiction.
The Fijian Navy’s Hydro-graphic Services and the search and rescue system will be made more advanced and efficient, as MSAF Chief Executive, Philip Hill said, the signing of the agreement ensures that the Fijian waters is safe for navigation.
Hill said, the Fijian Navy was the only authority that could carry out hydro-graphic services in Fiji and they ensured Fiji had updated charts, especially for all its main shipping routes.– NNN-PIN