Seven foreign tourists have been hospitalized in Fiji after consuming pina coladas at a luxury resort, with methanol poisoning as a potential cause. Health authorities in Fiji reported that Australian and American vacationers at the Warwick Resort on the Coral Coast experienced symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and seizures after drinking cocktails on Saturday. The exact reason is still unknown, but Fiji’s tourism minister emphasized that no conclusions can be drawn until toxicology test results are available in a few days. Five of the affected individuals have been discharged, with no other reports of similar incidents at the resort or in Fiji. The hotel management denies any improper practices and maintains a strong reputation. The minister highlighted that this is an isolated case, contrasting it with recent methanol poisoning deaths in Laos. One of the affected tourists, Tanya Sandoe, has been cleared to return to Australia for further recovery. The Australian government issued a travel advisory regarding drink-spiking and methanol risks. In Thailand, a British tourist with Australian residency passed away after attending a Full Moon Party. The cause of death is under investigation, with no indications of contaminated alcohol. Authorities are reviewing the circumstances, including security camera footage, and have informed the British embassy.
