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Fiji Cruise Ship Grounds Near ‘Cast Away’ Island as Fuel Is Pumped Off to Protect Reef

Environmental safeguards are in place to limit reef pollution during the wait for calmer seas.

Overview

  • The MV Fiji Princess, which ran aground Saturday near Monuriki, was evacuated with no injuries among 30 passengers and several crew.
  • By Monday, responders under an Australian salvage lead had pumped off removable diesel and oils to cut spill risk on the reef.
  • Fiji’s maritime authority reported heavy damage in the steering area of the 55-meter vessel.
  • Rough seas have blocked safe underwater inspection of the hull, with no sign so far of a breach in the main fuel tank.
  • Investigators are in the early phase, and the operator says a sudden gust likely dragged the anchored ship toward the reef.