Blue Lagoon Cruises’ MV. Fiji Princess remains grounded on a finger reef within the northern Mamanuca Islands after dragging anchor and being pushed onto reef.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, 4 April and all 30 guests and non-essential crew disembarked the ship with their luggage and personal belongings and were transported to Port Denarau. No guests or crew were injured.
Due to adverse weather and the early effects of Tropical Cyclone Vaianu being felt across the west of Fiji, efforts to recover the ship have been challenging, and in the interest of safety it was suspended at dark last night, the line reported. Due to the rough seas, underwater inspections have also been delayed, with further recovery efforts to begin once weather conditions improve.
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu also led to widespread flight disruptions to flights in and out of Nadi, Fiji Airports said.
In an advisory to travellers, Fiji Airways confirmed that its morning departures were delayed, while all Fiji Link flights for the day have been cancelled.
International carriers have also suspended operations, with all flights to and from Nadi by Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled.
Services cancelled included JQ119/120, VA175/176, VA181/182, VA195/196 and QF101/102.
Fiji Link aircraft grounded at Nadi Airport. Photo: Fiji Airports
Fiji Princess salvage
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, deployed officers to the site on Saturday following the incident. Authorities confirmed the vessel sustained significant damage to its rear left side, including the steering area, with additional damage reported to the hull. The vessel also experienced engine failure and was taking in water following the incident.
While approximately 20,000 litres of diesel was onboard, initial inspections found no evidence of fuel tank damage. Pumpable fuel as well other oils stored
onboard the ship has since been safely removed, largely diminishing any environmental risks.
“This work is now underway with support from a salvage specialist from Australia,” the authority said.
Oil spill response equipment has been positioned at the site and handed over to the crew for immediate use if required.
Impacted bookings between last Friday and the end of April 2026 have been or are being contacted by Blue Lagoon Cruises to either cancel or defer where possible.
Bookings as of May 2026 and beyond will be contacted within the next 7-14 days with cancellation or deferral options.
How it happened
While the ship was anchored in calm conditions, it appears a sudden, severe squall caused the ship’s anchor to drag, pushing the vessel onto the reef.
Blue Lagoon Cruises activated its crisis management plan and appointed the marine recovery and salvage specialist from Australia who is on site to oversee recovery operations.
“The immediate priority for all involved is to reduce and/or eliminate any environmental risk and to finalise a plan to recover the ship, noting that the current weather conditions are not in our favour,” it said.
Latest ship just launched
Travel Weekly was onboard recently when Blue Lagoon Cruises officially launched its latest ship, MV Yasawa Princess II, a 45-metre, three deck, 22-cabin vessel, with maximum 44 passengers offering next level intimate short-stay cruise comfort over three, four and seven nights.
Originally built a decade ago as a 31-cabin vessel, MV Yasawa Princess II underwent a major refit in Brisbane and joined the 32-cabin, 64-passenger MV Fiji Princess.
The small size of the ships meant they can access bays and islands that would be difficult to reach in a larger ship.
Blue Lagoon Cruises has been cruising Fiji’s Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands for over 75 years.
Blue Lagoon Cruises officially launches intimate MV Yasawa Princess II in Fiji
