Page 6 - IB FEB 2018

WE SAY

It is hard to believe that in a region surrounded by sea, legislation has not

been created, or enforced if they exist to ensure greater protection for

those who travel between the islands.

THE sinking of the Kiribati inter-island carrier, Buti Raoi, will go
down in history as one of the Pacific’s greatest disasters at sea.
Because it will take time to determine how many people were
aboard the wooden catamaran, it is possible that as many as
90 people perished when the tiny craft sank between Nonouti
and Betio.
The most tragic aspect of this event is – that like many disasters
before – this tragedy could have been avoided.
In ports around the Pacific vessels of all shapes and sizes put
to sea for treacherous journeys without the slightest regard for
passenger safety.
Many of these craft are dangerously overloaded with freight and
crew, carry no two-way radio, flares, medical kits or emergency
supplies of life jackets.
Yet they travel hundreds of miles, sometimes far from the sight
of any who might afford help in the event of an emergency.
Maritime authorities and police in most island countries lack and must be carried out at the points of departure and arrival.
the resources to effectively enforce the rules – where they exist Kiribati authorities have revealed that the Buti Raoi carried
– to ensure compliance with safety measures. lifeboats sufficient for between 25-40 people. That alone means
Often the authorities who themselves know the difficulty of a large number of passengers were not provided with the means
finding a means of travel between the islands turn a blind eye of escape in an emergency.
to overloading. Such a situation is tantamount to murder.
For years government ships in Fiji would dock early at the Former Kiribati President, Anote Tong, has rightfully demanded
capital, Suva, to avoid scrutiny of the Marine Department checkers answers from the authorities.
who started work at 8am. He – and countless others – want to know how this tragedy
By the time the checkers arrived at the port, passengers would occurred, why it took so long to respond to reports that the vessel
be standing on the dock waiting to unload their cargo. was missing and why there was insufficient safety equipment
The largest loss of life in a singular event at sea in the Pacific is aboard.
the sinking of the inter-island cutter, Kadavulevu, in Fiji in 1964 Tong has said there was not enough life safety equipment on
with the loss of 96 lives. board.
In that case overloading, a small boat and rough seas created The Kiribati tragedy has been compounded by the fact that
the perfect situation for a terrible tragedy. many of those who perished were students travelling to South
The sinking of the Tongan ferry, Princess Ashika, in 2009 with Tarawa to enrol for the academic year.
the loss of 74 lives was caused by huge waves and questionable The victims make up five per cent of the population of Nonouti
seaworthiness of the ship. – a terrible loss in terms of future human resources.
It is hard to believe that in a region surrounded by sea, legis- At the very least the Kiribati government must order an inquiry
lation has not been created, or enforced if they exist to ensure into not only the Buti Raoi and its sinking but also the entire
greater protection for those who travel between the islands. maritime transport industry to ensure there is no repeat of a
Nor have the necessary laws been created to ensure that opera- tragedy of this magnitude.
tors comply with strict guidelines on loading, provision of safety Pacific administrations would do well to take the opportunity
equipment and condition of the vessel. to review existing laws on maritime travel.
Enforcement is the third crucial element for safe maritime travel Travellers must be kept safe.

It is ironical, then, that a company founded to protect the rights of

workers and ensure that industrial action did not affect national interests

should show no goodwill in negotiations.

THE month-long industrial action at Fiji’s Nadi International wield when they work together.
Airport showed in a practical way the power that workers can It also showed how many workers in the country recognised

6 Islands Business, February 2018