Tourists Hospitalized in Fiji Due to Suspected Pina Colada Poisoning

Sat Oct 03 2026 23:04:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Seven tourists in Fiji experience severe illness after consuming cocktails at a luxury resort, raising concerns over drink safety.

Following a suspected poisoning incident at the Warwick Fiji resort, seven foreigners, including five tourists from Australia and the US, received medical attention. While some initially showed severe symptoms, their conditions have since improved. The hotel and local authorities are investigating the case as tourists are advised to be vigilant about drink safety.

Seven foreigners were hospitalized in Fiji after experiencing symptoms of suspected poisoning following their consumption of pina coladas at the Warwick Hotel & Resort. Among the victims, five are tourists from Australia and the US, ranging in age from 18 to 56. The remaining two are expatriates residing in Fiji. Although some initially reported severe health issues, health officials confirmed on Monday that their conditions have improved, and several are expected to be discharged soon.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a tragic event in Laos, where six tourists died due to suspected methanol poisoning. Brent Hill, Fiji’s tourism chief, emphasized that the situation in Fiji is “a long way from that,” highlighting the rarity of such occurrences. After enjoying the rum cocktails, the guests began suffering from nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms, prompting their transfer from Sigatoka Hospital to Lautoka Hospital.

Tourism minister Viliame Gavok reassured the public, labeling the event as an “extremely isolated incident,” and stated that the resort has denied any practice of ingredient substitution or quality alteration in beverages served. Initial inquiries are ongoing, and no further cases have been noted, according to local authorities.

David Sandoe, a Sydney resident, revealed that his daughter Tanya and granddaughter Georgia were affected, asserting they were recovering well, despite the initial shock of the situation. Reports include that a 56-year-old Australian woman remains under medical surveillance, while a 19-year-old tourist also faced serious medical complications.

The Warwick Fiji hotel issued a statement recognizing the “suspected alcohol poisoning” and confirmed a thorough investigation is underway, pending test results from health officials. Meanwhile, Fiji police have also been brought into the investigation.

In response to the incident, two Australian families are receiving consular assistance, while New Zealand officials stated they have not been approached for help. Notably, no British nationals were implicated in this occurrence.

Australian Minister Jason Clare expressed concern, drawing comparisons to the similar tragedy in Laos, where two young Australians lost their lives due to suspected poisoning. As a precaution, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged travelers to remain vigilant against risks associated with drink spiking and methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol in Fiji, and to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect drink tampering.