File photo of the Gounder Fishing vessel. Photo: Facebook/Goundar Shipping Limited
Correction: The Lomaiviti Princess II was being towed out of the harbour when it capsized, not on its way to support rescue operations for the grounded vessel as previiously reported.
Fiji's Maritime Safety Authority has launched an investigation into Goundar Shipping Limited following two incidents involving its vessels.
Late last month, one vessel ran aground on the reef of Ono-i-Lau, and villagers had to step in to ferry stranded passengers to nearby islands using small boats.
On Monday, the Lomaiviti Princess II was being towed out of Suva Harbour when it capsized.
But this was not on its way to salvage operations for the grounded vessel, as previously reported.
The company's managing director George Goundar told local media "the mishap at Suva Harbour regarding the Lomaiviti Princess II was not the works of the company".
He directed all questions to the Fiji Ports Cooperation.
Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the matter was under investigation and a release would be issued after he receives an update on the matter.
On 29 May, the company posted on social media about the first incident, saying "GSL Management would like to sincerely thank the people of Ono-i-Lau for your tremendous support following the mishap".
"We acknowledge and appreciate your assistance in ensuring the passengers were safely brought ashore."
