30 Passengers Evacuate After Cruise Ship Grounds on Fiji Reef

The MV Fiji Princess ran aground on a reef near Monuriki Island over the weekend. Blue Lagoon Cruises reported the incident and said 30 passengers were evacuated. The company described the grounding as linked to an anchor dragging during a severe squall.

Evacuation and passenger safety

A ferry came alongside the 55.52-meter (182-foot) ship at first light on Sunday. Thirty passengers disembarked with their luggage and personal belongings. No injuries were reported and passengers were taken to Denarau Island.

Cause and investigation

Blue Lagoon Cruises said conditions were calm when the ship anchored in the area. The operator added that a sudden, severe squall appeared to cause the anchor to drag toward a nearby reef. Officials described the investigation as being in its early stages.

Salvage and environmental response

A salvage specialist from Australia was on scene from Sunday to oversee recovery efforts. Pumpable fuel and other oils stored aboard were removed by Monday. Officials said removing the fuels reduced the immediate environmental risk.

Location context

The grounding occurred near Monuriki Island, known as the filming location for the 2000 movie Cast Away. The reef where the vessel grounded lies within popular tourism waters of Fiji.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. Filmogaz.com will follow developments and report further updates as they become available.