Authorities Investigate After Tourists Fall Ill in Fiji

A relaxing getaway turned into a terrifying ordeal for vacationers in Fiji as they fell ill after drinks at a resort.

At a Glance

Illness affected seven tourists in Fiji after they had drinks at a resort.
The tourists suffered symptoms that led to concerns aboutpotential drink tampering.
An investigation is underway to uncover more about the incident.
Officials say they haven’t found any evidence of alcohol poisoning.
The situation prompted warnings from Fiji and Australian authorities.

Details of the Incident

Seven foreign tourists, including four Australians and one American, were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking pina coladas at the Warwick Resort on the Coral Coast. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues appeared after the individuals consumed cocktails at the resort’s bar. This led to the immediate transfer of all affected individuals to Lautoka Hospital, with two tourists initially placed on life support.

Although most patients have since been discharged, two remained in stable condition as of December 16. Health authorities and the resort management have launched a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the incident and are still investigating. However, despite initial fears of alcohol poisoning, officials say the toxicology support showed no evidence that the drinks were tampered with.

Seven tourists hospitalised in Fiji for suspected alcohol poisoning https://t.co/RFDOB9DwM9

— ST Foreign Desk (@STForeignDesk) December 16, 2024

Investigation Efforts and Concerns

Investigations into the incident are the focal point of Fijian authorities and the Warwick Resort. Although a few victims initially suggested drinks, specifically piña coladas, were tampered with, the cause remains unverified. The resort faced scrutiny, and Fijian authorities are diligently working to interview victims, pending their medical clearance.

The incident sparked concerns following a case in Laos where six tourists died from contaminated beverages. In response, Australian officials updated travel advisories to caution citizens about the potential risk of drink spiking.

Seven tourists, including four Australians, were hospitalized after drinking a cocktail at the Warwick Fiji resort on the south coast of Viti Levu island in Fiji https://t.co/2GWHAwrUfU pic.twitter.com/GZtNDBkPNt

— Reuters (@Reuters) December 16, 2024

Impacts and Reactions

Despite initial uncertainty, assurances have been made that this is an isolated case, with no evidence of similar incidents occurring elsewhere within the resort or Fiji. “The risk is very, very small, but at the same time, we don’t want to diminish for these seven people. It’s obviously been a really unfortunate experience and we certainly are trying to work out what’s caused that and our investigation is continuing,” Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill emphasized. The tourism sector and Fijian community remain on high alert, mindful of the impact such occurrences can have on tourist confidence.

Guests who have been released from medical care are returning to their respective countries as investigations continue. The resort management and Fijian health officials urge tourists to remain vigilant about alcohol consumption. Australia’s response includes ongoing consular support for affected families, highlighting the gravity and international attention drawn by this distressing event.