Southern Phoenix crew couldn't control the situation at Suva wharf

A container ship, Southern Phoenix has submerged in the Suva Harbour.

Fijivillage has received information that the ship’s agent has informed concerned parties that the Southern Phoenix started to take in water while they were waiting for departure at 8am today at the Suva Wharf.

The crew were unable to control the situation as the vessel continued to take in more water, further listing to the port side.

We have also received information that for the safety of the crew, integrity of the Suva Wharf and safety of the users of Suva Harbour, the crew had to evacuate and the lines were cut and the vessel was towed towards a safer position as she continued to take in more water.

Some of the containers have been secured with ropes to prevent them from floating away from the harbour.

According to Police, cargo containers were being loaded on the ship when the load became unbalanced and the ship tilted on one side.

Details about the contents inside the cargo containers are unknown at this stage.

Fiji Ports Corporation Limited’s Harbour Master, Captain Laisiasa Gonewai says he is currently compiling a report and details will be released later.

He has refused to give any further information about the incident.

We have also contacted the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, however they have referred all questions to the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited.