Fiji Princess retired after grounding near Mamanuca Islands reef
All 61 people aboard were evacuated without reported injuries after the vessel grounded during a seven-day itinerary.
Fiji Princess grounded in the early hours of April 4 while sailing a seven-day itinerary in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, about 28 miles west of Nadi. The operator said conditions had been calm when the vessel anchored, but a severe squall caused its anchor to drag toward a nearby reef.
Initial checks by the maritime authority found serious damage to the ship’s rear-left side near its steering equipment, as well as damage beneath the hull. The vessel also experienced engine failure and was reportedly taking on water.
All 30 passengers and 31 crew members were evacuated safely, with no injuries reported. The passengers and 17 crew members were transferred to Port Denarau. Essential crew initially remained before relocating to a sister vessel.
The authority said the ship carried about 20,000 liters of diesel and that initial inspections found no damage to its fuel tanks. By Monday, April 6, approximately 23,000 liters of fuel and oils had been removed. Spill booms remained available after a salvage support vessel departed.
The operator said Tropical Cyclone Vaianu prevented a safe refloating attempt and caused further damage. After more than 22 years in the fleet, Fiji Princess was retired. The operator said professional salvors, consultants and insurers were involved in the process of removing the vessel from the reef.