The Maritime Safety Authority says they had to tow the burning Tuipuga fishing vessel out to sea and let it burn completely in an isolated area.
Acting Chief Executive, Captain Philip Hill says this was done to ensure that port facilities are safe in case of an explosion.
“After the continuous fighting of the fire by the National Fire Authority, they realized they could not contain the fire so we brought in a tug to attach it to fishing vessel and towed it away out of the harbour.
And to ensure other ships in the vicinity are safe and also for the port facilities itself in case if there’s an explosion it doesn’t damage the boat facility.”
Captain Hill says they are yet to ascertain the cause of fire but will remove the remaining fuel contaminants on board before they scuttle the vessel.
The vessel caught fire at the Suva Harbour on Friday night.
MSAF says it’s believed the vessel berthed at the wharf to discharge its catch and was reloading to return to the fishing ground when the incident happened.
