A passenger and cargo vessel owned by the Catholic Diocese of Gizo, Western Province, formerly known as MV St Peter, sank at Logha wharf near Gizo on Monday morning.
MV St Peter had been berthing at Logha Wharf for more than 10 years after experiencing ongoing mechanical problems.
The wooden vessel was once widely used by the Diocese to transport passengers and cargo to parishes and stations across Western and Choiseul provinces.
According to eyewitnesses, the vessel began sinking early Monday and efforts to salvage it were unsuccessful.
“On Monday morning the vessel sank, and they tried to pull it off the wharf with the help of MV Galilei, but they couldn’t do it,” one worker told the Solomon Star.
The worker blamed the incident on negligence by the crew and caretaker of the vessel.
“The vessel sank because the crew and caretaker failed to carry out daily checks. Authorities should have stepped in earlier to remove this ship,” he added.
Staff from St Peter Don Bosco reportedly attempted to move the vessel from the wharf but was unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, residents of Logha and surrounding areas have expressed concern about the potential environmental impact of the sinking on Gizo Harbour’s marine ecosystem.
MV St Peter was purchased many years ago to serve the Catholic Diocese of Gizo, playing an important role in transporting both cargo and passengers for church programs across the two provinces.
Its sinking marks the end of the vessel’s service, leaving behind both a logistical gap for the Diocese and growing environmental concerns for local communities.
By AUGUSTINE PENEVOLOMO
Solomon Star, Gizo
