A cruise ship has run aground near a tiny island made famous by a Hollywood blockbuster and by the United States TV show Survivor, but Robinsonade narratives aside, the major concern has been oil from the vessel polluting the surrounding waters.
The incident took place on Saturday, 5 April, during a “severe squall” according to initial statements from Fiji-headquartered tourism company, Blue Lagoon Cruises, when the anchor of the MV Fiji Princess was dragged towards a nearby reef, causing the grounding.
The reef in question is situated near the desert island of Monuriki, about 970 km south of the Cook Islands and just 45 km west of the city of Nadi. The Tom Hanks movie Cast Away was filmed on Monuriki in the years 1999 and 2000. Unlike Hanks’ character Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems analyst who becomes stranded for four years after a plane crash, the cruise ship’s manifest of 30 passengers and 17 of its 31-strong crew were safely evacuated from their cruise ship by ferry early the next morning. They were taken to Denarau Island.
The ship, however, has not escaped without injury. An initial assessment by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) found “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.”
@nalini.kaushal Footage showing Blue Lagoon cruise boat on the reef, apparently off Castaway Island. Chairman of South Sea Cruises Sakiusa Raivoce confirmed to Mai TV that they had a ship on the reef. He also confirmed that all passengers and crew have been safely rescued. The ship is being secured overnight as the company waits for high tide to determine further action. #Fiji #News ♬ original sound – Nalini Kaushal
The ship “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,” a spokesperson said.
Fears of an oil spill ensued due to the 20,000 litres of diesel fuel reported to be in the ship’s tanks. With the stormy conditions preventing the fuel’s immediate removal, containment booms and other equipment were taken to the vicinity. It has now been reported that the oil has been safely recovered with the help of an Australian salvage specialist.
Fiji is currently suffering floods, school and road closures amid tropical cyclone Vaianu, which has also prompted warnings to maritime operators and seafarers to remain vigilant and prioritise safety at all times. MSAF issued a notice to all passenger and cargo transport operations in the Western Division to cease operations effective 9 am on Tuesday local time. Flights departing and arriving at Nadi were also cancelled at the time of writing due to the adverse weather.
