MV Sitka is 53 years old.
This is based on a fact sheet of the vessel from International Maritime Organisation (IMO) received by the Solomon Star, Tuesday.
According to the information, MV Sitka was built in Denmark in 1963.
However, according to casualty report from IHSF, it was in collision whilst moored with MV ‘Otuanga Ofa’ at Nuku’alofa, Tonga on 11 January 2012.
It sustained damage to the bow and the side of hull.
There was no injuries or pollution reported.
The cost of repairs estimated at USD 57,000. (Cargos status unknown).
Over the weekend, Marine authorities said it will not accept MV Sitka on its register even if those who purchase the Tongan registered vessel insisted on bringing it over here.
Derek Saru, chief marine engineer, Compliance and Standards Division of the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety (SIMSA), stated this.
He was responding to announcements Albert Wong of Oceanic Marine Equipment Ltd made that he’s going to Fiji to salvage the vessel, which ran aground on August 21 on a reef there, and bring it over.
Mr Wong purchased MV Sitka for Malaita Outer Islands (MOI) constituency using a $5 million grant the constituency secured under the government’s shipping grant.
The ship was on its way from Tonga to the Solomons, when it ran aground on a reef in Fiji due to mechanical problems.
The Tonga crews that were on board have abandoned the ship and are now back in their country.
Mr Saru explained SIMSA refused to accept the vessel on to its register as it is not “fit for purpose” being more than 50 years old.
He said SIMSA has put in place a Domestic Shipping policy restricting aged vessels NOT to be brought into Solomon Islands.
He further explained that Mr Wong or MOI never consulted them about buying and bringing the ship over into our waters.
Mr Saru said initially, it was Dalgo (SI) Ltd that intended to purchase MV Sitka.
However, he said when SIMSA requested important documents of that vessel from Dalgro (SI) Ltd, the company failed to furnish them with the information they requested.
Mr Saru said it was not until two weeks ago that his office received information from Fiji that MV Sitka developed mechanical problems in Fiji waters on her delivery trip to the Solomons.
“That was shocking news to us because it was supposed to be Dalgro who are on our radar; not Wong of Oceanic Marine Equipment Ltd as stated in the media,” Mr Saru said.
He added that the normal procedure for intended ship owners/ship operators to follow was to consult SIMSA first about what ship they intend to purchase.
“This is to allow our ship surveyors to inspect that ship for quality and safety compliances.
“Our surveyors after inspection would then provide important documents back to the SIMSA Registrar of Ships, including ship’s Bill of Sale etc… de-register that vessel from Foreign Registry of that Ship, get Provisional Registry Certificate from SIMSA, comply to international sea voyage manning and follow relevant international shipping standards and then set sail to the Solomons.”
Anything outside of this process, Saru said, would be deemed illegal.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
