South Sea Cruises Panther Joins Fleet

Fiji’s largest marine tourism operator South Sea Cruises has welcomed the inclusion of a new $6 million vessel called Panther.
The new catamaran built on the Gold Coast, Australia by Marine Engineering Consultant (MEC) is expected to hold a maximum of 210 passengers to service the extensive island resort connection and half day cruises in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups.
The Panther is the Twin Sister of the Tiger V which arrived earlier in the year and has a much larger MAN engine with a bit more power and speed.
According South Sea Cruises chief executive officer Brad Rutherford, the life span is expected 20-25 years, Mr Rutherford said with South Sea Cruises now holding seven high speed catamarans so this addition is the single largest investment by South Sea Cruises.
“The addition of the new catamaran is significant investment for the company,” he said.
“This goes a long way to helping Fiji achieve as a quality tourist destination with the new quality vessels.
“South Sea Cruises will want to open up some new routes, whether to the Yasawa or further, Panther gives us the ability to do that.”
He added that the vessel was brought in by Captain Serevi Serekilevu and Josevata Saukilagi, also known as Captain Joe, who are part of the delivery team who helped bring the vessel.
The vessel goes into service today.
 
(Source: FijiSun ONLINE 21 November 2017)