Blue Lagoon Cruises says it has made the “difficult decision” to retire MV. Fiji Princess following an incident on the 4th of April 2026.
The ship, which has been part of the Blue Lagoon Cruises fleet for more than 22 years, dragged whilst at anchor during a severe weather event and as a result grounded on a nearby reef. All guests and crew safely disembarked.
Guests impacted by the retirement of MV. Fiji Princess will be contacted and provided with an array of alternate options.
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The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) says fuel has been removed from the grounded passenger vessel MV Fiji Princess in the Malolo Group.
Approximately 23,000 litres of fuel was removed from the vessel in a bid to reduce potential risk of pollution to the marine environment.
The crew of the Fiji Princess were also safely transferred onto the sister vessel Cougar and departed the area bound for Port Denarau.
Further work to recover the vessel will begin once weather and sea conditions improve and it is safe to proceed.
On Saturday, all 30 passengers and 17 crew members were transferred from the vessel.
The MV Fiji Princess ran aground at Monuriki Island and 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.
The vessel also experienced engine failure and was reported to be taking in water following the grounding. Due to rough seas and strong waves, officers were unable to safely inspect the vessel underwater at the time.
