(Archive photo)

A plan is in place to address the problem of crews stranded in abandoned fishing boats in Suva Harbour, the Fiji Maritime Safety Authority says.

MSAF says it will work with Fiji Revenue and Customs and the Department of Immigration to repatriate individuals to their country of residence.

MSAF Director General Joeli Cawaki said the majority of crew members were from China and other parts of Asia and were left stranded after their fishing boats were no longer operational and abandoned by their owners.

“They arrived with the boat as fishermen. And so they’re stuck, literally stuck, and the owners have gone and abandoned ship as well. They abandoned the ship and abandoned the crew. This matter has been resolved by Customs and Immigration.

Cawaki said an investigation by MSAF confirmed the presence of crews stranded in abandoned fishing boats, but while their numbers are unknown, there are plans to finalize their repatriation early next year.

The MSAF CEO said they were also seeking to address the issue of abandoned fishing vessels, seeking support to initially remove the targeted 34 abandoned vessels in Suva Port.

MSAF said it also plans to expand its efforts, in terms of removing abandoned vessels, to other ports in Fiji.