Cruise Ship MV Fiji Princess Runs Aground in Fiji, Guests Safely Evacuated
The MV Fiji Princess, a small cruise ship operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises, ran aground on a reef in the northern Mamanuca Islands of Fiji during the early hours of April 4. The incident occurred while the ship was anchored, and a severe squall caused the anchor to drag, leading to the grounding. There were 30 guests on board at the time, all of whom, along with non-essential crew, were safely evacuated via a ferry. The guests were accommodated at Denarau hotels, and alternative experiences were arranged for them. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Blue Lagoon Cruises has activated a crisis management plan and is working with an Australian marine recovery and salvage expert to recover the ship and minimize environmental risks.