176 people are safe after they had been rescued from inter-island ferry stuck on Cakaudavui Reef, situated off Dawasamu, Tailevu, Monday afternoon, April 2.
The people were sailing on mv Spirit of Altruism from Natovi jetty to Nabouwalu when it ran aground on the reef.
David Kolitagane, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, quoted the passenger numbers from figures given by Maritime and Safety Authority. He confirmed the passengers were safe and no one was injured.
Vessel owner Patterson Shipping announced there were 132 passengers onboard the ship. According to Mr Kolitagane the 176 didn't include the crew onboard.
He said before sun down travelers were transferred from Spirit of Altruism to fibreglass boats and on to Spirit of Harmony, wearing life jackets.