Cargo vessel MV Vatate remains stuck on Zaru reef in Varisi Lavata Ward, Northwest Choiseul, after running aground on Monday afternoon while en-route back to Northwest Choiseul before continuing its voyage to Honiara.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred at around 4pm as the vessel was navigating waters near Zaru reef.
“The ship was heading back towards Northwest Choiseul before sailing on to Honiara when it suddenly struck the reef. We saw it hit the reef and then remain stuck there,” the eyewitness said.
The voyage marked the vessels first trip to Choiseul province in 2026. Following the grounding, the vessel was left stranded on the reef.
“It happened very fast. After the impact, the ship could not move off the reef,” the eyewitness added.
However, efforts to free the vessels from the reef have all failed so far.
“They have been trying to pull the ship off the reef using outboard motor engines, but nothing has worked,” the eyewitness said.
At the time of reporting, the cause of the incident had not been officially confirmed and there has also been no formal statement from authorities regarding injuries to crew or passengers.
Meanwhile, nearby communities have raised concerns about navigational safety and possible environmental impacts.
BY GEHAZI SEKO
Solomon Star Stringer, Honiara
Photo caption: MV Vatate go stuck on Zaru reef in Northwest Choiseul. Photos supplied.
