No maritime passenger and cargo transport will be operating to and from Suva, Vanua Levu, Rakiraki, Kadavu, Lomaiviti and the Lau group from 12midday today.
This after Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority issued a directive advising against travelling to and from these areas in light of gale-force winds experienced in these areas as a result from tropical depression TD09F that is forecasted to develop into a category one tropical cyclone later today.
In Fiji Meteorological Services’ latest forecast track map, TD09F is expected to intensify into a category one system near Ono-i-Lau, then weaken before it exits the group.
In the meantime, MSAF is advising all other ship operators to take heed of warnings from the Fiji Met office and exercise care when navigating in these areas.
“You are further reminded that the master has the final authority of the ship while in command and no person shall prevent or restrict the master of the ship from taking or executing any decision which, in the master’s professional judgement, is necessary for safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment,” MSAF Chief Executive Simon Gravenall said in a statement.
