Villagers help evacuate passengers as MV Liahona I runs aground

The passenger shipping vessel MV Liahona I ran aground a few kilometres off Dravuni in Kadavu at around 4.30 this morning.

Passengers on board the vessel have contacted Legend FM News and say that villagers from Dravuni, Buliya and Naqara are evacuating passengers in fibreglass boats.

They have prioritized the evacuation of children and women.

Passengers say only crew members remain on board.

Fijivillage has notified Police Search and Rescue.

The MV Liahona I left for Kadavu at 10 last night and was expected to make port calls at Dravuni, Buliya, Naqara and Vunivaivai.