Two tug boats have been mobilized to salvage the government vessel, MV Bai Ni Takali (BNT) that ran aground on the reef outside Lakeba Island on Wednesday night.

A statement from the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure says the vessel was exiting Lakeba passage route to Vanuabalavu when it hit the reef.

All crew and passengers are safe.

MLC Sigavou was re-directed to Lakeba on Wednesday night from Vanuabalavu and arrived at Lakeba early yesterday morning and the passengers from BNT are currently accommodated on MLC Sigavou.

MLC Sigavou will stay on station.

All compartments are watertight and crew are regularly conducting checks.

An investigation will commence in due course.