13 Dec 2012

Cook Islands shipping operator blames Ports Authority for ship on reef

5:03 am on 13 December 2012

Cook Islands shipping operator, Tapi Taio, says the Ports Authority is to blame for his long-line fishing vessel, FV Ana, ending up on the reef at Avatiu earlier this week.

Mr Taio, who runs Taio Shipping, says he had been directed to clear his vessels from Avatiu harbour due to adverse weather.

He says he'd initially refused knowing such a manoeuvre was dangerous and that the vessel could be properly secured in the harbour.

Mr Taio says he eventually relented and towed the 13 metre engineless fishing vessel out of the harbour but it got caught on the reef and they had to cut the tow line.

He says it was a stupid move on the part of harbour officials.