SOLOMON TRADER STILL STRANDED

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BY GEORGINA KEKEA
BARAVA FM

EFFORTS to re-float the Solomon Trader, currently stranded on a reef in Lavagu Bay, is still unsuccessful.

The MV Solomon Trader hit a reef two weeks ago in Rennell waters and fears are escalating over the amount of destruction it can cause to the marine biodiversity there.
MV Solomon Trader (Photo Supplied)

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr Melchior Mataki says they are aware the ship has already started to cause some leakage into the sea.

Mataki says this is the first time for Solomon Islands to deal with such an environmental disaster.

(Audio) Mataki on new area for Solomon Islands

Mataki says the company responsible is trying it’s best to salvage the ship but poor weather condition this past week has hampered their efforts to get a team to Rennell to salvage the wreck.

He says they continue to keep him updated of their efforts.

(Audio) Mataki on what the company is doing

Mataki says as chair of the National Disaster Council, he is gravely concerned but there is nothing much the government can do as it lacks the capability to carry out such an exercise.

He says because of this, Australia will be assisting the government in its efforts, despite the sole responsibility belonging to the company.

(Audio) Mataki on MOU by Solomon Islands government and Australia

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is helping to convene/coordinate SIG efforts to support salvaging efforts by the  owners of MV Solomon Trader. 

ENDS///

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