Fiji Princess runs aground near the island where Tom Hanks’ filmed Cast Away

• Fiji Princess has run aground near an island in Fiji.
• She is stuck on the reefs near Monuriki Island, an island famous for being the location of the 2000 movie Cast Away.
• No guests or crew members were injured and all have been rescued, but the vessel sustained significant damage.

Thirty passengers have been rescued and taken off their cruise ship after it ran aground in Fiji. The vessel, called Fiji Princess, belongs to Blue Lagoon Cruises, and grounded while on a seven-day itinerary around Fiji.

It is not known if any Australian or New Zealand passengers were on board.

Tom Hanks in Cast Away (picture supplied)

The ship has run aground on the reefs near Monuriki Island, famous for being the location of the movie Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks from the year 2000.

The vessel suffered engine failure and reports say that it was taking in water before it grounded.

The 55-metre long ship has run aground close to the island and at this point it isn’t known if any Australians were onboard the ship, although Aussies are a common demographic for Fijian cruises.

Fiji Navy sources told the ABC: “All were safely rescued yesterday and moved to [Port] Denarau.

“There were no reported injuries and all were safe. The company is working on salvage and recovery of the vessel.”

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has confirmed that there is significant damage to the vessel’s rea left side, as well further damage underneath the hull.

Currently, the priority of authorities is to remove fuel and oil to limit any potential pollution damage, with an Australian team carrying out the operation. Then further recovery of the vessel will come when weather conditions improve.

Crew members have been taken off board to stay on another vessel as it was deemed unsafe to stay overnight on the ship.

For more on the Fiji Princess go here.