A cruise ship carrying 30 passengers ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island, Fiji, early Friday morning. The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, became stuck while anchored overnight near the island famously featured in the 2000 film Cast Away.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The ship, which can accommodate up to 64 passengers, was lodged on the reef after a severe squall reportedly caused its anchor to drag. All passengers and non-essential crew were safely evacuated to Port Denarau by Sunday morning. No injuries were reported, and the passengers were accommodated in nearby hotels.
Deeper Dive & Context
Blue Lagoon Cruises stated that conditions were calm when the ship anchored, but a sudden squall led to the grounding. A salvage specialist from Australia has been overseeing recovery efforts since Sunday, and pumpable fuel and oils have been removed to mitigate environmental risks. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has not yet commented on the incident.
The 55.52-meter vessel remains grounded, with some crew members aboard to assist in refloating efforts. The cause of the grounding is still under investigation.