Fiji cruise ship Fiji Princess runs aground near Cast Away island, risking oil spill
Consensus Summary
A cruise ship named Fiji Princess operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island, also known as Cast Away island, on April 5, 2026. The incident occurred during a seven-day voyage, and all 30 passengers were safely evacuated to Port Denarau on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, with no reported injuries. The ship had 31 crew members, 17 of whom were also evacuated, while the rest remained to assist salvage efforts. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (Msaf) is investigating the incident, confirming serious damage to the vessel's rear left side, steering equipment, and hull, along with engine failure and water intake. Authorities are prioritizing the risk of an oil spill, as the ship carried 20,000 litres of diesel fuel, though no damage to fuel tanks was initially detected. Salvage teams, including an Australian specialist, are working to remove fuel and recover the vessel, with efforts delayed by rough sea conditions. The remaining crew are being accommodated on the sister ship, Cougar, for safety.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Blue Lagoon Cruises ship Fiji Princess ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island (Cast Away island) on Saturday, April 5, 2026, during a seven-day cruise.
- All 30 passengers were safely evacuated to Port Denarau, Viti Levu (Fiji's main island), with no reported injuries.
- The ship had 30 passengers and 31 crew members on board at the time of the incident.
- The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (Msaf) is investigating the incident and assessing the vessel's damage, including serious structural harm to the rear left side and steering equipment.
- The Fiji Princess was carrying approximately 20,000 litres of diesel fuel, prompting oil spill precautions by authorities.
- Monuriki Island is informally known as 'Cast Away island' due to the 2000 Tom Hanks film shot there.
- The ship remained stuck on the reef, and salvage teams are working to recover it, with remaining crew members aiding efforts.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The Fiji Navy confirmed that 30 passengers and about 30 crew were on board, with all passengers rescued and moved to Denarau, while some crew remained on the ship to assist salvage efforts.
- Videos uploaded to social media showed the 55-metre Fiji Princess grounded near Monuriki Island.
- It is unclear whether any Australians were on board the ship.
- The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is preparing a report about the incident.
- The ship experienced engine failure and was taking in water following the grounding, with rough seas preventing underwater inspection.
- Salvage teams are working to remove fuel and oil from the vessel, with assistance from an Australian salvage specialist.
- The remaining crew were berthed on the sister ship, Cougar, for safety reasons.
- Blue Lagoon Cruises advertises the Fiji Princess as small enough to tie off to a coconut tree near shore.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states there were about 30 crew on board, while the Guardian specifies 31 crew members with 17 evacuated and 14 remaining.
- The ABC does not mention engine failure or water intake, while the Guardian explicitly states the ship experienced engine failure and was taking in water.
Source Articles
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