Fiji Princess Grounds Near Monuriki Island; All 30 Passengers Rescued
A Blue Lagoon Cruises vessel, the 55-meter Fiji Princess, ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island, Fiji, on a Saturday while operating a seven-day cruise. All 30 passengers on board were safely rescued and transported to Port Denarau. Approximately 30 crew members were also aboard, with some reportedly remaining with the vessel.
No injuries have been reported among passengers or crew.
Incident Details
The incident occurred near Monuriki Island, which is informally known as 'Cast Away island' due to its use as a filming location for a 2000 film.
Social media videos reportedly depicted the vessel grounded near the island. Fiji Navy sources indicated the approximate numbers of passengers and crew on board.
Personnel Status and Rescue
All 30 passengers were successfully rescued following the grounding. The cruise operator facilitated their transport back to Port Denarau, situated in the Nadi area on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu.
No injuries were sustained by any of the passengers or the approximately 30 crew members.
Some crew members are reported to have stayed with the ship.
Vessel Status and Investigation
The Fiji Princess remains grounded on the reef. Blue Lagoon Cruises, the vessel's operator, is engaged in salvage and recovery operations.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is preparing a report concerning the incident. Blue Lagoon Cruises has not issued a public comment regarding the event.