Tongan cargo ship stuck on reef off Fiji’s Kadavu island

FIJI – Six Tongan crewmen are reported to be well and have been taken to land after the vessel they were on, MV Sitka became stuck on a reef in Kadavu Island, Fiji in the weekend, due to mechanical problems.

Tonga Police confirmed that Tonga Coastal Radio on Sunday received a distress call from the vessel after it got stuck on the reef near Kadavu.

There were six Tongan male crew on board including the skipper. Tonga Police contacted Fiji and were advised by the Nadi Rescue Coordination Centre that the Fiji Navy is handling the case.

“We have been informed the crew are well and are being taken care of by people at Kabariki village on the island.

“They are expected to take a ferry to Suva on Thursday. The men will probably return to Tonga later this week,” said a police spokesperson.

It is understood the vessel is remainS stuck on the reef.

The MV Sitka is an inter-island cargo vessel that can carry 200 tonnes of general cargo.

It was initially brought to Tonga on a chartered basis by a local company South Seas Shipping (SSSC) from Australia.

The vessel arrived in Nuku’alofa in March 2010 and had transported cargo between Nuku’alofa, Ha’afeva, Pangai and Neiafu. Its management at this stage remains unknown.

Kadavu is the fourth largest island in Fiji. - Matangi