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Seven Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji After Suspected Pina Colada Poisoning

Seven foreign tourists have been hospitalized in Fiji after reportedly being poisoned by pina coladas consumed at a resort bar. According to local authorities, five of the individuals are tourists from the United States and Australia, aged between 18 and 56, while the other two are foreign nationals residing in Fiji.

The group experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and neurological distress shortly after drinking the rum cocktails at the Warwick Fiji resort on the Coral Coast. They were initially treated at Sigatoka Hospital before being transferred to Lautoka Hospital for further care. While some were initially reported to be in critical condition, health officials confirmed that their symptoms have improved, and several individuals are expected to be discharged soon.

This incident follows a similar tragedy in Laos, where six tourists died from suspected methanol poisoning, raising concerns over the safety of alcoholic beverages in the region. However, Fiji’s tourism officials, including Brent Hill, sought to differentiate the two cases, stressing that the situation in Fiji was far less severe.

The Warwick Fiji resort issued a statement acknowledging the suspected alcohol poisoning and assuring the public that they were investigating the incident thoroughly. The resort denied any claims of substituting ingredients or altering the drinks served to guests, maintaining that they have not engaged in such practices.

David Sandoe, an Australian father, shared his distress with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), confirming that his daughter and granddaughter were among those affected. He recalled the difficult phone call informing him that his family had been poisoned and was in the hospital. However, he reported that they were recovering well after the ordeal.

Fiji’s tourism minister, Viliame Gavok, called the poisoning an "isolated incident" and emphasized that no further cases had been reported. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident, while local police are also looking into the details of the poisoning.

Australian authorities have provided consular support to the affected families, while New Zealand’s foreign ministry has stated that no requests for assistance have been made from their citizens. It has also been confirmed that no British nationals were involved.

In light of the event, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a warning to tourists visiting Fiji, urging them to be cautious of drink spiking and methanol poisoning. DFAT advised travelers to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect they have consumed tampered alcohol.