Imagine getting a frantic phone call in the middle of the night from your daughter, telling you that she and your granddaughter have been poisoned and are in the hospital. This was the nightmare scenario that David Sandoe faced last Saturday night.
A Mother-Daughter Break Turns into a Nightmare
Tanya, 49, and her daughter Georgia, 19, had been enjoying a relaxing vacation at the luxurious Warwick Resort in Fiji. The mother-daughter duo had been looking forward to some quality time together, and everything was going smoothly until they fell ill after drinking Pina Colada cocktails.
“I thought I was having nightmares,” David Sandoe recalled, describing the terrifying phone call from his daughter. “It’s really something when you get a phone call at 11 pm on a Saturday night and your daughter tells you she and her daughter – our granddaughter – have been poisoned and they’re in hospital.”
Several Others Affected
Tanya and Georgia were not the only ones who fell ill. Several others, including another mother and daughter, also suffered from the suspected alcohol poisoning after consuming the same cocktail. The group was rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to a larger facility.
Investigation Underway
Local authorities have launched a toxicological investigation into the incident, and samples of the drink’s ingredients have been sent to Australia for analysis. The Warwick Fiji Resort has also taken measures to investigate the incident, checking its CCTV footage and cooperating with the authorities.
Luxury Resort at the Centre of the Incident
The Warwick Fiji Resort, where the incident occurred, has stated that they are taking the matter “very seriously.” In a statement, the resort said, “Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation.”
Tourists Left Worried
The incident has left many tourists worried, with some taking to social media to express their concerns. One person wrote, “Concerned about the alcohol poisoning just mentioned on the news at your resort, given we have a holiday coming up in January.”
Government Warning
The Australian government has updated its safety alert for Fiji, warning travellers to “be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.” The government advises travellers to “exercise normal safety precautions” and to seek urgent medical help if they suspect drink spiking.
Previous Incidents
This incident comes after the deaths last month of two Melbourne teenagers, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, and four other tourists from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos. The Lao authorities have since banned the sale and consumption of Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky due to concerns about the products being a health risk.
A Warning to Travellers
This incident serves as a stark reminder to travellers to be cautious when consuming alcoholic drinks, especially in foreign countries. As the Australian government warns, “Get urgent medical help if you suspect drink spiking.” With the holiday season approaching, it’s essential to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety while travelling.