THE Government is yet to destroy one of the three Vietnamese impounded blue boats.
There were three boats that were captured early last year at Rennel’s Indispensable reef by the Maritime police for illegal fishing.
Based on a High Court ruling the boats were set for destruction.
Two of the blue boats were burned under controversial compliance processes at a passage in Gela, Central Province, December last year.
But Fisheries under Permanent Secretary (Technical) Ferral Lasi yesterday said one of the blue boats is still anchoring at the Port Douglas waters, Point Cruz.
“We will shortly burn the last one in open seas outside of Savo Island in compliance to environmental laws.
“We will also invite media to witness the destruction process,” he said.
Mr Lasi said the boat’s engine is still operational so it will sail out for its eventual destruction.
According to media reports burning of the two boats is said to have injured two of the villagers who volunteered to ignite the fire on board.
The destruction process has been widely condemned by the public, with calls for an investigation into the incident following claims it had violated environmental laws and endangered human lives.
In the meantime, the three Vietnamese captains of the wooden boats are serving their sentence at Rove Correctional Centre while their more than 40 crews were repatriated.
By TEDDY KAFO
