Australians escape Vanuatu fire

Australians escape Vanuatu fire

A group of Australians who were in Vanuatu to help with rebuilding efforts in the wake of Cyclone Pam have been evacuated to the capital after escaping a resort fire.

The 21 Australians were on Tanna island on Monday night when what are believed to be petrol bombs were used to set cars alight, before the flames reached parts their resort and damaged equipment and property, local media reports.

One Australian woman reportedly received mild injuries after she was hit in the face and hand by stones hurled by youths.

George Cecil said his daughter Stephanie was flown to Port Vila with 12 others by the Australian High Commission following the attack.

“One girl who was sharing Stephanie’s room was slightly injured by these youths throwing rocks,” Mr Cecil said.

“She opened the door apparently when she could smell smoke and she was hit with a hail of stones. But they got out.”

After escaping the blaze, the resort guests gathered on a local beach.

The Vanuatu Daily Post reports the resort’s owner had become subject of threats from locals after a young man from the island was found dead on July 18.

A man has been arrested and charged with intentional homicide by police and is in custody in Port Vila.

The owner, Hugh Lowe, told the newspaper the fire began after what appeared to be petrol bombs were used on the cars.

Mr Cecil said he received a text from Stephanie saying the hotel had caught fire and stones were thrown at the group.

“We heard no more because there was no reception and there was only one cell phone working for the whole group of people,” he said.

“I was really quite panicky by then.”

Most of the Australians were evacuated to Port Vila by the Australian High Commission on a small chartered aircraft on Tuesday.

Mr Cecil said he was expecting his daughter to return to Australia on Friday morning, although she wanted to go back.

Comment has been sought from DFAT.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]