(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 will work with Fiji Revenue and Customs and the Department of Immigration to repatriate individuals to their country.

Director General Joeli Cawaki said the majority of these people from China and other parts of Asia found themselves stranded after their fishing boats were no longer operational and abandoned by their owners.

“They arrived with the boat as fishermen. And so they are stuck, literally stuck. They’re really stuck. And the owners left. Also, abandoned ship? They abandoned the ship and abandoned the crew. This matter has been resolved by Customs and Immigration.

Cawaki says 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.

MSAF is also working to address the issue of abandoned fishing vessels, seeking support to initially remove the targeted 34 abandoned vessels in Suva Harbour.

It plans to expand its efforts in removing abandoned vessels to other ports in Fiji.