LC Saranuku is expected to resume normal services to the northern islands next week, following efforts by the operating company to address concerns raised against the vessel.

Speaking to VBTC News, Operations Manager of Ifira Shipping Agency, Terry Kalorib, confirmed that the company received a detention letter but said some of the issues raised were inaccurate.

Ifira Shipping Agency has rejected allegations that the vessel ran aground near Iririki Island, was overloaded, or that its captain lacked proper certification.

“At Iririki, the vessel was not overloaded. The passenger limit is 270, and we were operating within that capacity,” Mr Kalorib said.

He explained that the vessel moved closer to Iririki Island due to a faulty navigation buoy light, which he claimed was not functioning at the time.

“The buoy light was not working. This is not a new issue — it happened last year as well. The buoy should have been repaired or replaced,” Mr Kalorib said, adding that this caused the vessel to navigate closer to the island.

Addressing claims that the vessel was wrecked near Ambrym, Mr Kalorib dismissed the reports, saying the vessel only went ashore briefly due to low tide. He added that reconciliation discussions are planned following misinformation shared on social media, with meetings already held with chiefs through the Malvatumauri Council.

On claims that the ship’s captain lacked proper certification, Mr Kalorib said the captain has completed training at the Maritime College, but delays in documentation processing remain an ongoing issue.

“This is a long-standing issue that needs urgent attention,” he said.
“In the case of my captains, they have completed their 500 gross tonnage courses. The delay is mainly administrative, as certificates take too long to be processed and delivered.”

Mr Kalorib questioned the Maritime College’s certification process, saying graduates should receive their certificates immediately upon completion of their studies, rather than waiting months or even a year.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) Commissioner, Less John Napuati, stressed that captains who graduate from Maritime College must formally report to VMSA to obtain proper certification before operating any vessel.

“After graduating from Maritime College, captains must come to VMSA so we can verify their status with the college and issue the appropriate certificates,” Mr Napuati said.

He compared operating without certification to driving without a licence, warning that doing so places passenger safety at risk.

“The safety of passengers, cargo and vessels is critical. Operating without proper documents is a criminal offence,” Mr Napuati said, adding that enforcement action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Mr Napuati confirmed that investigations into the LC Saranuku case are continuing.

Photo credits: Saipres Sope