Almost a month after the reported alcohol poisoning in Laos, guests at the Warwick Fiji Resort, were rocked by an incident that left seven tourists hospitalised, including four Australians. But the plot thickens as the symptoms may be the same; however, how it played out is what’s leaving authorities baffled.
Timeline of Events
The tragic incident took place on the evening of Saturday, December 14, 2024, when seven tourists at the Warwick Fiji Resort, including four Australian women, fell seriously ill after consuming pre-packaged Pina Colada cocktails at the five-star resort’s bar. It’s not known yet if the drinks were imported or a local blend.
The group, aged between 18 and 56, began immediately experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues shortly after drinking. Two individuals suffered severe, life-threatening seizures, and the group was quickly taken to a nearby clinic.
By the end of the night, they were rushed to the nearby Sigatoka Hospital for treatment, but two of the patients, a 56-year-old woman and an 18-year-old, were in critical condition and were later transferred to Lautoka Hospital, located approximately 89 kilometres from the resort, for closer medical supervision.
Typically, methanol poisoning takes several hours for the symptoms to start showing. In this instance, however, the victims who fell ill were experiencing symptoms straight away.
“I think there is something else we need to identify,” Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka said.
“In the same bar, there were many pina coladas served that evening. And with this resort, there are five bars altogether … so in the other four bars, pina colada was also served. No ill effects,” he said.
So why did only these 7 people show the effects?
The Victims
The victims included:
- A 56-year-old Australian woman, who was hospitalised under close observation
- An 18-year-old woman, who was also rushed to hospital in critical condition
- Two other Australian women, aged 49, and 19, with varying degrees of symptoms
- Three other tourists whose nationalities were not disclosed, and could have been locals.
All seven were eventually diagnosed with suspected alcohol poisoning, though initial reports remained inconclusive about whether methanol contamination, a toxic substance sometimes found in unregulated alcohol, was involved.
What We Know So Far
Was it Methanol Poisoning?
The exact cause of the poisoning is still under investigation, and we won’t know for sure until the toxicology report is complete, expected within 24–48 hours, with samples being tested in Fiji’s capital, Suva, today. Australian authorities in Fiji have offered assistance with the toxicology process if needed.
Early statements from Warwick Fiji Resort indicated that the poisoning was limited to a single bar on the property. The resort issued a statement. assuring that they were taking the matter seriously and conducting internal investigations alongside local authorities. A spokesperson for the resort stated:
“We are also awaiting the health authorities’ test result report to gather all necessary information. At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests.”
Fijian health authorities swiftly launched an investigation, sending health inspectors to the resort to rule out other possible causes, such as foodborne illnesses or viruses like COVID-19. Although methanol poisoning has not been confirmed, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a travel advisory, warning travellers to be cautious of drink spiking and methanol contamination, especially in developing countries where alcohol regulation may be lax.
On Sunday, the Australian government updated its travel advice for Fiji, cautioning against “drink spiking and methanol poisoning.”
However, Fiji’s Tourism Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Viliame Gavoka, expressed doubts, stating he “doesn’t believe it possible” for methanol poisoning to occur at a five-star resort in Fiji.
Speculation on the ground suggested that “outside drinks” brought into the Warwick Resort could be a factor, but this remains unconfirmed. Mr Gavoka told the ABC’s 7.30 program that the rum used in the drinks was “local.”
There is also speculation about the pina colada ingredients, such as the pineapple or coconut, being tainted, though this has yet to be verified.
The Piña Colada cocktails consumed by those who fell sick at the Warwick Resort on Saturday night were made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka said the person who was mixing the cocktail has 16 years of experience. He added they will wait for the toxicology report to ascertain what really happened.
Watch the press interview below, thanks to the The Fiji Times.
A Terrifying Sense of Déjà Vu
For Australians, the Fiji incident echoes a recent tragedy in November 2024, where two young Melbourne women, Bianca Jones and her best friend Holly Bowles, died from suspected methanol poisoning while travelling in Laos. Along with four other tourists, they consumed tainted alcohol, leading to a fatal outcome. Australian authorities, including Labor frontbencher Jason Clare, expressed deep concern over the Fiji incident, stating,
“There’s a real terrifying sense of déjà vu… I’m sure all Australians have their heart in their mouth and are hoping for the best.”
The recurrence of suspected methanol poisoning in Fiji is especially troubling for Australian tourists, as methanol can be deadly even in small amounts. It is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it nearly impossible to detect in drinks.
Official Responses and Safety Warnings
Warwick Fiji Resort’s Response
In the wake of the incident, Warwick Fiji Resort has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure the safety of all guests. The resort’s sales and marketing manager, Savaira Molaucake, reassured tourists that the hotel is taking the matter very seriously, adding that more information will be shared once health authorities release their findings.
However, the event has shaken the confidence of tourists, many of whom took to social media to voice concerns about their upcoming holidays at the resort. Some guests have reconsidered their travel plans, expressing disbelief that such a tragic event could occur at a luxury resort.
Government Travel Advisories
The Australian government’s Smart Traveller website has updated its safety advice for Fiji, warning about the risks of drink spiking and methanol poisoning. The advisory urges tourists to:
- Be alert to potential drink-spiking risks, particularly with cocktails and spirits.
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended and monitor how drinks are being prepared.
- Seek urgent medical help if they experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or confusion after consuming alcohol.
How to Stay Safe While Travelling
Although alcohol poisoning incidents like the one at Warwick Fiji Resort are rare, they are a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when travelling. Here are some essential tips to help protect yourself from similar risks:
- Drink at reputable venues: Choose licensed bars and resorts with high safety and hygiene standards.
- Avoid cocktails and mixed drinks: Methanol is more likely to be found in locally-made spirits or cocktails, which may not be as closely regulated as sealed bottles.
- Monitor your drink: Always watch how your drink is prepared and never leave it unattended.
- Trust your instincts: If something tastes off, don’t consume it. Better to err on the side of caution.
- Travel with a first-aid kit: Carry activated charcoal tablets, which may help in cases of poisoning until you can reach medical help.
The suspected poisoning incident at Warwick Fiji Resort is a sobering reminder that even in seemingly safe, luxurious settings, unexpected dangers can arise. While investigations continue, tourists must remain vigilant and heed travel advisories to protect their health and well-being. The incident also highlights the ongoing challenge of regulating alcohol safety in popular tourist destinations, especially in countries where local production practices may vary.
Though the exact cause of the Fiji poisonings remains unclear, it is a stark warning to travellers: always exercise caution, be mindful of the risks, and prioritize your safety when enjoying drinks abroad.
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