Fiji Princess suffers major damage after grounding near Monuriki Island

The passenger vessel MV Fiji Princess has sustained serious structural damage after running aground at Monuriki Island in the Malolo Group, with authorities now focusing on fuel removal to prevent environmental harm.

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) said initial inspections confirmed major damage to the vessel’s rear left side, including the steering area, as well as damage underneath the hull.

The vessel also suffered engine failure and was reported to be taking in water following the grounding.

At the time of the incident, there were 30 passengers and 31 crew members onboard. All passengers were safely evacuated and transported to Port Denarau along with 17 crew members. The remaining crew initially stayed onboard to assist with the response.

MSAF officers visited the site on April 4 to assess the situation, assist with evacuations and check for risks to the marine environment.

The vessel is carrying about 20,000 litres of diesel fuel. While no damage to fuel tanks has been detected, authorities have deployed oil spill response equipment as a precaution.

Due to rough seas and strong waves, underwater inspections could not be carried out.

As of April 6, the priority is to remove as much fuel and oil as possible to reduce the risk of pollution. The operation is being supported by a salvage specialist from Australia.

Further recovery work will begin once weather conditions improve.

For safety reasons, no one is staying onboard the vessel overnight due to the extent of the damage. Crew members are being accommodated on a sister vessel, Cougar.

MSAF said its main focus remains the safety of personnel, protection of the marine environment and ensuring response efforts continue safely.

The authority is working closely with the vessel operator and response teams and will provide updates as necessary.