That sinking feeling
p. 63 · Read in the full issue
A Fiji inter-island cutter, Malolelei, has again sunk and the spot where it sits outside the government slipway in Suva could turn out to be its grave.
This is unless someone buys the ship from its owner, Josefa Saladoka.
Malolelei has been a jinx ship for its owner and the accidents that it has met with could be a record for local ships.
On August 15, 1978, the ship was blown ashore in Suisui Passage near Gau and salvage and repair costs amounted to more than SFSOOO.
One January 22, 1979, she was struck by a Marine Pacific barge while moored at Walu Bay and repair costs came to $320.
In January 1980 disaster struck again Malolelei sank at its moorings and was refloated by Mr Saladoka.
About two months later, on March 14, the ship sank again and was refloated yet again by Mr Saladoka.
Malolelei now sits on the bottom of the sea again while the waves wash over her and marine life find her a safe refuge.
Meanwhile, Mr Saladoka, with the help of the Fiji Development Bank, is looking for a buyer.