A small expedition cruise vessel has run aground on a reef in Fiji, with all passengers safely evacuated and no injuries reported.
The Blue Lagoon Cruises-operated Fiji Princess struck a reef near Monuriki Island on Saturday while operating a seven-day itinerary through the Mamanuca group, according to local reports.
Fiji Navy sources said about 30 passengers were on board at the time of the incident and were subsequently transferred back to Port Denarau on the main island of Viti Levu.
The vessel remains stranded on the reef, with images circulating on social media showing the 55-metre ship grounded close to shore.
Monuriki Island, where the grounding occurred, is widely known as the filming location for the 2000 film Cast Away.
There has been no official confirmation on the cause of the incident, although local reporting suggests conditions in the area can be challenging, with reefs and exposed waters posing navigational risks.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is preparing a report into the grounding, while salvage and recovery operations are expected to follow.
The operator has yet to comment publicly on the incident.
UPDATE 13 April 2026: Fiji Princess retired, MV Yasawa Princess II to launch
Blue Lagoon Cruises (BLC) has announced the retirement of MV Fiji Princess following an incident on April 4, 2026, in which the vessel grounded on a reef during a severe weather event. All guests and crew disembarked safely. Fiji Princess served the Blue Lagoon Cruises fleet for more than 22 years, carrying thousands of guests across the waters of Fiji. The company is inviting past guests to share their photos, memories, and stories as a final tribute to the vessel and the era of cruising she represented.
Blue Lagoon Cruises (BLC) has announced the retirement of MV Fiji Princess following an incident on April 4, 2026, in which the vessel grounded on a reef during a severe weather event. All guests and crew disembarked safely. Fiji Princess served the Blue Lagoon Cruises fleet for more than 22 years, carrying thousands of guests across the waters of Fiji. The company is inviting past guests to share their photos, memories, and stories as a final tribute to the vessel and the era of cruising she represented.
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| MV Yasawa Princess II begins service with BLC this month (supplied) |
According to reports, Blue Lagoon Cruises is transitioning to the MV Yasawa Princess II as its new flagship vessel. The 10-year-old, 45-metre, 22-cabin catamaran was previously operating in the Whitsundays before being sold to the South Sea Cruises Group. It underwent a significant seven-month, $15 million refurbishment in Brisbane, Australia, which included adding wave-piercing bows, interior redesigns, and new external branding.
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