Australian tourists fall ill after consuming cocktails abroad—here’s what the toxicology report says
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When we think of Fiji, we often picture pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tropical paradise perfect for a getaway.
However, a recent incident involving a group of tourists and locals has cast a shadow over this idyllic image.
This led to a flurry of concern and speculation, which has now been met with a sigh of relief as new findings come to light.
Seven people, including Australian tourists and a US visitor, fell seriously ill after consuming cocktails at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort on the south coast of Viti Levu island on Saturday, December 14.
On Wednesday evening, December 18, a toxicology report confirmed that no methanol or illicit substances were found in any of the ingredients or liquor used in the cocktails.
This news was announced by Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Villiame Gavoka, who hailed it as ‘great news’ for the country.
‘The findings bring much-needed reassurance to the global community that Fiji is and continues to be a safe…destination for travellers,’ Minister Gavoka stated.
The last of the poisoning victims, including a 49-year-old Australian woman and a Fijian local, have been discharged from the hospital after spending four days in intensive care.
Minister Gavoka extended an apology to the tourists for the unfortunate end to their holiday but was ‘thankful for the swift medical attention they received’.
‘The health and wellbeing of our visitors remains our top priority,’ he said.
The 49-year-old Australian woman and her 18-year-old daughter returned to Australia on Wednesday, December 18, accompanied by an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Tanya Sandoe, 56, and her daughter Georgia Sandoe-Simpson, 19, also landed back in Sydney on Monday evening, December 16.
The incident has prompted ongoing investigations to determine the cause of the illness, with the resort management cooperating fully with the police.
The Warwick Fiji resort, which has been operating for 40 years without such an incident, is working with the police to investigate the matter.
‘We are currently working jointly with the authorities to determine what caused this unfortunate incident,’ the company assured.
‘We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our resort.’
Minister Gavoka mentioned that the individuals who fell ill had consumed pina colada cocktails made with local rum.
Warwick Fiji's Human Resources Director, Nitin Goundar, specified that the ingredients included a smoothie powder mix from New Zealand, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice, and white rum.
He added that the resort sourced these ingredients from reputable suppliers, such as Coca-Cola.
‘So, the liqueurs are added and then blended together,’ Mr Goundar explained.
This incident follows the tragic deaths of Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who were suspected victims of mass ethanol poisoning in Laos, highlighting the importance of vigilance when it comes to consuming alcohol abroad.
We're relieved to hear that the victims in Fiji are on the mend and that the country remains a safe destination for travellers. But let's use this as an opportunity to discuss safety tips and share experiences.
Have you ever had a similar scare while on holiday? How do you ensure your drinks are safe when travelling? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below, and let's keep each other informed and protected on our adventures.
However, a recent incident involving a group of tourists and locals has cast a shadow over this idyllic image.
This led to a flurry of concern and speculation, which has now been met with a sigh of relief as new findings come to light.
Seven people, including Australian tourists and a US visitor, fell seriously ill after consuming cocktails at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort on the south coast of Viti Levu island on Saturday, December 14.
On Wednesday evening, December 18, a toxicology report confirmed that no methanol or illicit substances were found in any of the ingredients or liquor used in the cocktails.
This news was announced by Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Villiame Gavoka, who hailed it as ‘great news’ for the country.
Toxicology reports found no methanol or illicit substances in the cocktails that hospitalised seven at Warwick Fiji resort. Credit: Warwick Fiji / Facebook
‘The findings bring much-needed reassurance to the global community that Fiji is and continues to be a safe…destination for travellers,’ Minister Gavoka stated.
The last of the poisoning victims, including a 49-year-old Australian woman and a Fijian local, have been discharged from the hospital after spending four days in intensive care.
Minister Gavoka extended an apology to the tourists for the unfortunate end to their holiday but was ‘thankful for the swift medical attention they received’.
‘The health and wellbeing of our visitors remains our top priority,’ he said.
The 49-year-old Australian woman and her 18-year-old daughter returned to Australia on Wednesday, December 18, accompanied by an official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Tanya Sandoe, 56, and her daughter Georgia Sandoe-Simpson, 19, also landed back in Sydney on Monday evening, December 16.
The incident has prompted ongoing investigations to determine the cause of the illness, with the resort management cooperating fully with the police.
The Warwick Fiji resort, which has been operating for 40 years without such an incident, is working with the police to investigate the matter.
‘We are currently working jointly with the authorities to determine what caused this unfortunate incident,’ the company assured.
‘We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who visits our resort.’
Minister Gavoka mentioned that the individuals who fell ill had consumed pina colada cocktails made with local rum.
Warwick Fiji's Human Resources Director, Nitin Goundar, specified that the ingredients included a smoothie powder mix from New Zealand, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice, and white rum.
He added that the resort sourced these ingredients from reputable suppliers, such as Coca-Cola.
‘So, the liqueurs are added and then blended together,’ Mr Goundar explained.
This incident follows the tragic deaths of Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who were suspected victims of mass ethanol poisoning in Laos, highlighting the importance of vigilance when it comes to consuming alcohol abroad.
Have you ever had a similar scare while on holiday? How do you ensure your drinks are safe when travelling? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below, and let's keep each other informed and protected on our adventures.
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