Stranded Near "Cast Away" Island: 30 Rescued After Cruise Ship Hits Fiji Reef

A Blue Lagoon Cruises ship struck a reef near Monuriki Island, where Tom Hanks' "Cast Away" was filmed. Read about the rescue of 30 passengers and the ongoing salvage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT

Source: People

The Incident: A "Finger Reef" Collision

The Fiji Princess was navigating the northern Mamanuca Islands when it struck the reef. While the official investigation by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is ongoing, early reports from the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) suggest that rough weather conditions in the area likely contributed to the mishap.

Evacuation: A large fast ferry assisted in the rescue. Passengers were able to disembark with their luggage in an orderly fashion.

Current Status: While passengers have been relocated to hotels in Denarau, essential crew members remained on board initially to assist with the vessel's stability.

Recovery: Blue Lagoon Cruises has appointed a marine recovery and salvage specialist from Australia to oversee the extraction of the ship.

The Location: Monuriki Island