Terrifying moment cruise ship runs aground off Hollywood-famous island

by · Mail Online

A group of 30 tourists have been rescued from a cruise ship after it became stuck on a reef.

Blue Lagoon Cruises vessel Fiji Princess ran aground near Monuriki Island, off the west coast of Fiji's main island, in the early hours of Friday morning.

The comparatively small 55metre ship can carry up to 64 passengers in its 32 cabins.

It was on a seven-day cruise when it was lodged on the reef near Monuriki, informally known as 'Cast Away Island' after the 2000 film starring Tom Hanks was shot there.

In a statement to Daily Mail, Blue Lagoon Cruises said the ship became stuck while anchored overnight. 

'Whilst it is very early in the investigation, 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 reef whereby it became grounded,' a spokesperson said.

'The response time available for crew was limited.'

Footage online showed the ship was on a tilt with waves lapping at its lower cabins.

A group of 30 tourists, as well as staff, had to be rescued from a cruise ship that became stuck on a reef in Fiji
The reef is next to the island where Oscar-nominated movie Cast Away was filmed
The 55m boat (above) can carry up to 64 passengers in 32 cabins

It's understood Blue Lagoon Cruises safely evacuated all 30 passengers and some crew from the ship to Port Denarau, near Nadi on the main island.

'A large, fast ferry was alongside the ship in support at first light whereby all guests and non-essential crew disembarked the ship with their luggage and personal belongings in an orderly manner,' the Blue Lagoon spokesperson said.

'All guests returned to Port Denarau and were accommodated by Blue Lagoon Cruises at Denarau hotels, with alternative experiences and activities arranged. 

'No guests or crew were injured.' 

A total of 30 crew members were on the ship and some have remained aboard to aid efforts to refloat it. 

It's unclear whether any Australians were aboard but the ship's rescue will be overseen by an Australian expert.

The ship currently remains stuck on the reef and the area's infamous rough conditions could hinder it being salvaged.

'The immediate priority for all involved is to reduce and/or eliminate any environmental risk and to finalise a plan to recover the ship, noting that the current weather forecast is not in our favour,' the spokesperson said.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji will prepare a report.