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Fiji Cruise Ship Grounds on Reef After Squall
6 Apr
Summary
- A cruise ship grounded on a reef in Fiji due to a severe squall.
- Thirty guests and non-essential crew were safely disembarked.
- Efforts are underway to recover the vessel and mitigate environmental risk.
A cruise ship carrying 30 guests ran aground in Fiji on April 4th. The MV Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, became grounded on a reef in the northern Mamanuca Islands. The incident occurred during the early morning hours while the ship was at anchor.
According to the cruise operator, a severe squall appears to have caused the ship's anchor to drag, leading it onto the reef. All passengers and non-essential crew were safely transferred off the vessel via ferry and taken back to Port Denarau.
Guests were provided accommodation in local hotels, with alternative activities arranged. Blue Lagoon Cruises confirmed there were no injuries sustained by any passengers or crew members. The company has initiated a crisis management plan and is working with salvage experts.
The immediate priorities are to minimize environmental impact and safely recover the ship. However, unfavorable weather forecasts are posing a challenge to these recovery efforts.
