Récif de Tiaia - A catamaran grounded on Moorea's reef; four aboard were evacuated as the hull began to fail
After the cat struck the coral north of Moorea, the owner shut off the electrics, gas and fuel before all four were taken off; no pollution followed and the wreck was removed days later.
What happened.
On 17 March 2026, a catamaran ran aground on the coral reef north of Moorea, in French Polynesia, near the Ava Iti pass. After the alert reached the Tahiti rescue centre early that morning, the four people aboard were evacuated unharmed once the hull's integrity could no longer be assured. The owner shut off the electrical, gas and fuel systems before leaving; no pollution resulted, and the wreck was removed days later.
On Tuesday 17 March 2026, a catamaran ran aground on the coral reef north of the island of Moorea, in French Polynesia, near the Ava Iti pass (the récif de Tiaia). The alert reached the Tahiti rescue coordination centre (JRCC) at 05:50, when a resident ashore reported the stranding. As the morning went on and the pounding on the reef put the hull's integrity in doubt, the four people aboard were taken off — around 11:00 — all unharmed. Before leaving, the owner isolated the catamaran's electrical, gas and fuel circuits. Authorities confirmed there was no pollution, a marine contractor completed depollution work (removing hydrocarbons and batteries), and the wrecked catamaran was lifted off the reef the following Monday. It was a textbook outcome to a reef grounding: everyone off safely, and the boat made safe so it threatened neither the crew nor the reef.
What it teaches.
- 1Reef passes are unforgiving — take them slow and in good light. This catamaran grounded on the coral north of Moorea near a pass. Time an approach for high sun and settled water, follow the leads or a proven track, and never enter a coral pass on guesswork or in poor visibility.
- 2Before you abandon, make the boat safe to leave. The owner here isolated the electrical, gas and fuel circuits before stepping off — and no fire or pollution followed. Shutting systems down and securing fuel protects the crew, the rescuers and, on a reef, the environment while the wreck is dealt with.
Where this comes from.
SeaWise indexes and links to primary sources; it does not host their reports or media. Crew are referred to by role unless documented consent is on file.
Procedures involved.
More like this.
Share your story.
SeaWise records are richer when survivors and crewmates contribute what they remember. Submissions are private by default — your name and contact never appear on the public record.
Submit a story