Cruise ship runs aground off Fiji island where Cast Away filmed
The Blue Lagoon Cruises ship Fiji Princess was on a seven-day cruise when it ran aground off Fiji. Image courtesy of Blue Lagoon Cruises
A cruise vessel operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises has run aground on a reef near Monuriki Island in Fiji – known as the filming location for the 2000 Tom Hanks film Cast Away – prompting an evacuation.
The 55.52-metre MV Fiji Princess was on a seven-day voyage when it struck the reef near the uninhabited island in the Mamanuca group, west of Nadi on Viti Levu, on Saturday (4 April 2026).
A total of 30 passengers were taken off the vessel without injury. A ferry came alongside at first light on Sunday, allowing passengers to disembark with their belongings before being transported to Port Denarau. Around 30 crew were also on board at the time.
“All were safely rescued yesterday and moved to [Port] Denarau,” a Fiji Navy spokesperson told ABC. “We understand there [are] still some crew members on board. There were no reported injuries and all were safe.”
Some crew remained with the vessel to assist with recovery operations, while others were accommodated on a separate ship.
Early indications suggest the weather may have played a role in the grounding. “Whilst the investigation is in its early stages, conditions upon the ship anchoring in the area were calm, and it appears a severe squall caused the ship’s anchor to drag towards a nearby reef, whereby the ship became grounded,” the company said.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) attended the vessel on Saturday to carry out an initial assessment. “Initial checks confirmed that the vessel has suffered serious damage to its rear left side, including the area where the steering equipment is located. Part of the vessel underneath has also been damaged,” a spokesperson said.
“The vessel also experienced engine failure and was reported to be taking in water following the grounding. Due to rough seas and strong waves, officers were unable to safely inspect the vessel underwater at the time.”
The authorities’ attention has now turned to limiting environmental risk. It’s understood that the vessel was carrying approximately 20,000 litres of diesel fuel, prompting initial fears that a damaging spill would occur. However, the operator said pumpable fuel and other oils had been removed by Monday (6 April 2026). Equipment to respond to any spill was also positioned in the area as a precaution.
An Australian salvage specialist has been on site since Sunday, overseeing recovery work. Further steps to stabilise and refloat the vessel are expected once conditions improve, with the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji preparing a formal report.
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