Six tourists were hospitalized after consuming piña coladas at a five-star resort in Fiji, sparking concerns over the safety of beverages served at the venue. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2024, affected a group of international travelers, including four Australians, one American, and two foreign nationals living in Fiji.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological complications appeared shortly after the tourists drank cocktails at the resort’s bar. The affected individuals were initially treated at Sigatoka Hospital but were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital for more intensive care. While four individuals have since been discharged, two remain hospitalized in stable condition as of December 16.
Fiji’s Ministry of Health & Medical Services and the Fiji Police Force are actively investigating the case. Toxicology tests are being conducted in Australia to determine whether contaminated alcohol or another substance caused the illness. Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka reassured the public that the incident appears to be isolated to one bar within the resort.
The resort has launched an internal investigation and is fully cooperating with authorities. Management has pledged to implement additional safety measures to protect guests and is awaiting test results to provide further clarity.
This incident comes amid heightened concerns about alcohol safety in the region. Similar cases have been reported recently, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos last month from methanol poisoning in tainted drinks. In light of such events, travel advisories have been updated to warn tourists about potential risks when consuming alcoholic beverages abroad.
Travelers are urged to exercise caution and seek immediate medical attention if they experience unusual symptoms after drinking.
