A fuel spill in Suva Harbour early this morning has sparked significant environmental worries, particularly concerning the potential harm to marine life and the nearby reefs. The incident was first noticed around 5:30 a.m. by Reverend James Bhagwan, an environmentalist and climate change advocate, who recorded the sight of the spill while paddleboarding along the Suva waterfront.
Bhagwan alerted the public through social media after spotting what he described as a visible oil slick, which he noted was rapidly spreading. His video shows the slick stretching from the harbour beacon near the China Club area toward the Nawanada Reef, a location recognized for its rich marine biodiversity.
Experts caution that even small oil spills can lead to severe and long-lasting effects on marine ecosystems, highlighting concerns for the coral reefs and fish habitats in the area. As of now, the origin of the spill is still unidentified, and official information regarding any containment or clean-up operations has yet to be announced.
FBC News has reached out to the Ministry of Environment for further comments and is currently awaiting their response. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of marine environments and the critical need for prompt action in response to such ecological threats.