Key Aspects:
- The small cruise ship Fiji Princess ran aground on a coral reef near Monuriki Island in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands.
- About 30 passengers and 17 crew members were safely transferred to Port Denarau with no reported injuries.
- Authorities and salvage crews are removing fuel, assessing damage, and planning for the ship’s recovery from the reef.
A small cruise ship sailing through Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands ran aground on a coral reef over the weekend, forcing the evacuation of all passengers and prompting an emergency response to protect the surrounding marine environment.
The vessel, the Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, struck a reef near Monuriki Island in the early hours of April 4, 2026, while on a 7-day itinerary in the region.
The island is widely known as the filming location for the 2000 movie “Cast Away,” starring Tom Hanks.
Thirty passengers and roughly 30 crew members were on board when the incident occurred during an overnight visit. No injuries were reported, and all passengers were evacuated the following morning after a fast ferry arrived alongside the ship.
The cruise line said the ship had anchored in calm conditions but was pushed toward the reef by sudden severe weather.
“Whilst it is very early in the investigation, conditions upon the ship anchoring in the area were calm, and it appears a severe squall cause the ship’s anchor to drag towards a nearby reef where the ship became grounded,” Blue Lagoon Cruises said in a statement to local media.
Guests and 17 non-essential crew members were taken ashore with their luggage and transported back to Port Denarau on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
Authorities say the ship suffered damage to its rear section and steering area after the grounding. The vessel also experienced engine failure and began taking on water following the impact.
“Initial checks confirmed that the vessel has suffered serious damage to its rear left side, including the area where the steering equipment is located,” said the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in a statement. “Part of the vessel underneath has also been damaged.”
Further investigation has been delayed due to rough seas and strong waves, with the Fiji Meteorological Service reporting heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding in the islands due to nearby Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
Salvage Crews Work to Prevent Pollution
While all passengers were safely evacuated, Fiji Princess remains stuck on the reef as authorities and salvage teams assess how to refloat or recover the vessel.
A major concern for authorities has been the approximately 5,300 gallons of diesel fuel onboard the vessel, which could pose an environmental risk if released into the surrounding reef system.
At the time of inspection by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, no damage to the fuel tanks was uncovered.
To reduce the risk of a spill, crews began removing pumpable fuel and other oils from the ship as a precaution. By April 6, 2026, officials said much of the fuel had been transferred off the vessel.
Salvage operations are being coordinated between Blue Lagoon Cruises, the Fiji Navy, and maritime safety officials. A marine recovery specialist from Australia also arrived on site to oversee the recovery process and determine the next steps for stabilizing the ship and removing it from the reef.
However, rough sea conditions are holding up the process, with the Maritime Safety Authority saying it is not safe or effective to put equipment into the water at this time.
Some crew members have remained nearby to assist with savage efforts and are temporarily staying aboard the vessel’s sister ship while work continues.
Monuriki Island lies about 45 kilometers west of Nadi and is a part of the Mamanuca Islands chain, an area known for coral reefs, lagoons, and tourism.
