“The maritime industry has surely lost one of its greatest sailors.”
This was stated by Goundar Shipping Ltd managing director George Goundar while describing the life of Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, former chief executive officer, Captain Philip Hill yesterday.
Captain Hill, who has worked in the maritime industry for more than 20 years, was laid to rest at sea after a moving church service in Navua and was accorded a final farewell by the Republic of the Fiji Navy.
Family, friends, colleagues and stakeholders from the maritime industry boarded the Goundar Shipping Ltd Lomaiviti Princess 7 to bid their last farewell as Captain Hill was laid to rest out at sea.
Mr Goundar, who wasn’t in the country for the funeral, said he was saddened to hear about the demise of Captain Hill who he considered a friend in the industry.
“He is one of the most humble man I’ve had the privilege of working with in this industry.
“In the 10 years I’ve been in the shipping sector, Captain Hill has always helped guide me.
“He was an honest man and we understood each other well even though there can be disagreement, but he knew where I was coming from and I understood his role as a CEO.”
He said it would be hard for the next person to fill in Captain Hill’s shoes as CEO of MSAF as he has done exceptional work within the authority and with relevant maritime stakeholders.
He said the GSL Company was always there for Captain Hill’s family in the future if they ever need any sort of help.
Stakeholders from the Ministry of Transport, Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd, Captain Cook Cruises, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and other relevant maritime stakeholders were part of the funeral service.
