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Tourist ship strikes reef off ‘Cast Away’ island amid rough weather
Around 30 passengers and crew were evacuated with no injuries reported
A cruise ship carrying dozens of passengers struck a reef near the island made famous by the film Cast Away, prompting a rescue operation off the coast of Fiji.
The vessel, Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground near Monuriki Island on April 4 while on a seven-day voyage, according to local reports.
The island is widely known as the filming location of the 2000 survival drama starring Tom Hanks.
Authorities confirmed that approximately 30 passengers and a similar number of crew members were on board at the time of the incident.
All travelers were safely evacuated and transported back to Port Denarau on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu.
“There were no reported injuries, and all were safe,” Fiji Navy sources said, noting that recovery efforts for the vessel are currently underway.
Some crew members may have remained on board to assist with salvage operations.
Officials believe rough weather conditions in the area may have contributed to the accident, though the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has launched a formal investigation into the cause.
Monuriki Island, an uninhabited part of the Mamanuca archipelago, is a popular stop on cruise itineraries due to its connection to Cast Away, which follows a man stranded on a remote island after a plane crash.
Visitors often explore the filming locations, along with the island’s coral reefs, lagoons, and white sand beaches.
The Fiji Princess, which joined the Blue Lagoon Cruises fleet in 2026, is designed to accommodate up to 64 passengers and features amenities including an open-air sun deck, splash pool, and spa facilities.
While the incident caused concern, the safe evacuation of all passengers underscores the swift response by local authorities, as investigations continue into what led to the reef collision.
