A Sydney teenager and her mother, along with five other tourists, were hospitalized last weekend after suffering from suspected alcohol poisoning at the Warwick Fiji Resort. The incident unfolded at the luxury resort situated on Fiji's Coral Coast, where the guests experienced symptoms after drinking pre-mixed cocktails, leading to emergency medical responses and heightened concerns.
The two Australians, Tanya Sandoe, 56, and her daughter, Georgia Sandoe-Simpson, 19, reported feeling unwell following their consumption of drinks at the resort’s bar. According to their family, Georgia endured a seizure and both had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment. Six tourists reported symptoms including nausea and vomiting, with some displaying alarming neurological reactions, prompting swift medical intervention.
By late Monday, the Health Ministry of Fiji confirmed several of the tourists had been released from the hospital. "Like everyone else when this news broke, we thought back to what recently happened in Asia, which sends shivers down your spine, so we’re grateful and very fortunate,” said David Sandoe, Georgia’s father, as he recognized the severity and potential dangers of the situation.
The group encompassed four Australians, one American, and two Fijians, all of whom drank cocktails from the resort's bar before falling ill. Reports indicated two of the seven tourists, including the last Australian, had remained hospitalized at Lautoka Hospital's intensive care unit but were stable. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka explained during briefings, the precise cause of the illness remained undetermined. He shared, “We don’t have the results of the investigation yet and we don’t know if it was spiking or any other cause until we complete our investigations.”
Warwick Fiji Resort has since addressed the alarming incident, assuring guests of their commitment to safety and thorough investigation protocols. A representative stated, “Please rest assured we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation.” They have sought to collaborate with local authorities to understand the circumstances surrounding the suspected intoxication of guests.
On Wednesday, Fiji’s health officials reported findings from toxicology tests indicating no methanol or illegal substances were found within the cocktails consumed by the guests. "After testing the ingredients of the drinks served to guests by the Fiji police force, I can confirm no illicit substances or methanol were found," stated Gavoka, bringing some relief to anxieties surrounding the incident.
This announcement shifted focus from fears of mass poisoning similar to previous tragedies affecting Australian tourists abroad, including the recent death of two Australians due to suspected methanol poisoning elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Despite initial concerns, Gavoka emphasized the positive aspects of the findings: “The findings... are great news for Fiji, especially for our tourism industry. Fiji is and continues to be a safe and reliable destination for travelers.”
The incident has prompted Australian authorities to revise travel advisories for Fiji. They now urge visitors to be cautious about drink spiking and possible methanol poisoning. Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill voiced concern over the unprecedented incident, stating, “We’ve never had something like this in Fiji, certainly, you wouldn’t expect it at a resort.”
Fiji is heavily reliant on tourism, drawing nearly one million visitors annually, especially from Australia. The potency of news like this can significantly impact tourists' perceptions and decisions, concerning both current and future travel plans. Gavoka has stressed the importance of maintaining Fiji's reputation as a safe travel destination and is appealing to foreign governments to reconsider any travel warnings related to this incident.
Healthcare officials pointed out symptoms exhibited could stem from other origins unrelated to the cocktails consumed, emphasizing the need for thorough exploration of potential causes. One health official noted, “There are many causes of the symptoms they presented with. It could be chemical, it could be infection.”
Reportedly, those affected showed no signs of remaining severe health issues upon being discharged from the hospital; all have since returned home to Australia. The full scope of this incident is yet to be conclusively determined, raising questions about ingredient sourcing or preparation practices at the Warwick Fiji Resort.
This episode marks not only a significant health scare for visitors but also poses potential ramifications for Fiji's overall tourist experience perception, nudging the community toward heightened vigilance and awareness about resort safety protocols.
Authorities confirmed they will continue to pursue investigations until the definitive cause of the tourists’ ailments can be clearly established and addressed, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all who commit to visiting the stunning island paradise.
