Cruise ship hits reef off Fiji island where 'Cast Away' filmed
· Toronto Sun
Salvage crews in Fiji are working to avoid an oil spill after a cruise ship hit a reef off the tiny island that served as the setting of Tom Hanks’ movie Cast Away .
Blue Lagoon Cruises vessel Fiji Princess struck a finger reef near Monuriki Island early Saturday, according to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (Msaf).
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“Initial checks confirmed that the vessel has suffered serious damage to its rear left side, including the area where the steering equipment is located. Part of the vessel underneath has also been damaged,” a spokesperson for the maritime rescue agency said, per the Guardian .
“The vessel also experienced engine failure and was reported to be taking in water following the grounding,” they continued. “Due to rough seas and strong waves, officers were unable to safely inspect the vessel underwater at the time.”
The spokesperson said that authorities had taken oil spill equipment to the area “as a precaution,” but that the sea conditions were too rough for it to be used.
“At the time of inspection, there were no signs that the fuel tanks had been damaged,” they added, noting that the vessel was carrying about 20,000 litres of diesel fuel.
Blue Lagoon Cruises added in a statement that pumpable fuel as well as other oils stored onboard the ship had been removed by Monday, abating environmental risks.
“Msaf’s main concern at this time is the safety of all personnel, the protection of Fiji’s marine environment, and ensuring that response efforts continue safely,” they said.
There were 30 passengers and 31 crew members on board at the time of the incident, according to the outlet.
“All were safely rescued yesterday and moved to [Port] Denarau,” Fiji Navy sources told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation , noting that some crew members remained on board to help with the salvage efforts.
“There were no reported injuries and all were safe.”
Monuriki Island, which is part of the Mamanuca Island chain, was the filming location for the 2000 hit movie.
The reality show Survivor has also filmed in and around the location since 2016.
Monuriki is the first stop on the seven-day “Escape to Paradise” voyage, according to an itinerary on the Blue Lagoon Cruises website.
One of the activities the trip touts is seeing some of Cast Away ’s filming locations.