Wrecked yacht in Udu Point traced to French Polynesia

Authorities have confirmed that the wrecked yacht which washed ashore in Vunikodi Village, Udu Point, is registered in Papeete, French Polynesia.

According to police official records showed the vessel had sunk on May 26, 2025 near Moorea Island.

Following the discovery, the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Republic of Fiji Navy launched a joint investigation to determine the vessel’s origins, working closely with regional law enforcement partners.

Information received from authorities in French Polynesia revealed that the yacht’s owner had made several attempts to relocate the craft, including chartering a plane to track its position.

On May 26, 2025, the vessel was sighted overturned in open waters.

"Initial assessments conducted by Police and maritime officials indicate the vessel had been floating at sea for some time, as the inner parts of the yacht were damaged," police said in a statement.