Cruise Ship Fiji Princess Grounds on Cast Away Island After Squall

Thirty passengers aboard the Fijian cruise ship Fiji Princess may have briefly feared a Tom Hanks moment after their vessel grounded on a reef off the same uninhabited island used to film the 2000 movie Cast Away, though their ordeal lasted considerably less than four years.

The 55-metre cruise ship dragged anchor during a severe squall on April 4 while at anchor in otherwise calm waters, striking a reef and sustaining serious damage to the port side stern. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji confirmed hull damage and water ingress near the steering equipment. The vessel came to rest on the reef with a pronounced list to port.

All 30 passengers and 17 crew members were evacuated at first light on Sunday and transferred by ferry to Port Denarau. No injuries were reported. The remaining crew was subsequently moved ashore as a tropical storm approached Fiji.

Fiji Princess was built in 1998 and operates week-long cruises around the Fijian islands, with a maximum passenger capacity of 64. The vessel is operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises.

The primary environmental concern is 20,000 litres of diesel fuel aboard the vessel. No leaks or tank damage have been detected, and containment equipment has been prepositioned as a precaution. A salvage team deployed from Australia reached the site on Sunday but was unable to conduct a hull dive due to rough seas. Fuel removal is planned as a priority once conditions allow.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is overseeing the salvage operation. A full damage assessment remains pending.