Apr 08, 2021 03:33:01 PM
Eleven people were declared missing at sea by the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre last year and sixty four search and rescue operations were recorded.
Of this figure, five cases were from the Pacific Harbour area.
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya said the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre spent approximately $90,000 on the search and rescue operation.
"165 persons were rescued, 52 were self-rescue and 11 have been declared missing at sea. What this means is, resources need to be deployed each time there is a search and rescue mission as lives are in danger and safety has been compromised," Koya said.