Grounded Cruise Ship near Cast Away Island: Passengers Safely Evacuated
A cruise ship in Fiji has run aground near the island where the movie Cast Away was filmed. The Fiji Navy has confirmed that 30 passengers were safely evacuated back to Fiji's main island. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is investigating the incident. The Blue Lagoon Cruises vessel Fiji Princess hit a reef near Monuriki Island during a seven-day cruise. Monuriki Island, also known as Cast Away island, was the filming location for the 2000 movie starring Tom Hanks. Videos on social media showed the ship stuck near the island. The cruise operator transported all passengers back to Port Denarau on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu. The ship remains grounded on the reef, and there is no information on any Australians being on board. The Fiji Navy confirmed that all passengers and most crew members were safely rescued and brought to Denarau. The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is preparing a report on the incident.