After a period of disruption due to political protests, international cruise ships are returning to New Caledonia. The first vessel, the National Geographic cruise ship, has docked at Lifou, marking a pivotal moment in the revival of the island’s tourism industry. This restart is crucial for the region’s economic recovery and reflects the collective efforts of local authorities, tourism operators, and the community to restore normalcy and highlight New Caledonia’s resilience.
Aircalin has announced an updated flight schedule to New Caledonia, boosting travel options for Australians as the South Pacific nation recovers from civil unrest. The increased frequency of flights marks a significant step towards tourism revival, but travelers are advised to exercise caution due to ongoing safety advisories.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for increased diplomacy and compromise to resolve the ongoing crisis in New Caledonia, which has seen violent protests since May. The protests stem from France’s approval of electoral reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will dilute their voting power and hinder future independence referendums. Peters emphasized the need for dialogue and mediation, highlighting the Pacific Islands Forum’s potential role in facilitating a resolution.
On Tuesday, May 21, an Australian military C130 Hercules aircraft carrying tourists stranded in New Caledonia during a week of rioting and looting finally arrived in Brisbane. The flight, the first successful evacuation since the unrest erupted, brought approximately 50-60 passengers to safety, including children and pregnant women. The unrest, which began on May 13, has left six dead and hundreds injured, prompting the French government to send forces to quell the protests fueled by opposition to French rule.
France has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia following violent protests against electoral reforms that have resulted in four fatalities, including one police officer. The protests, which have been sparked by concerns that the reforms could marginalize the Indigenous Kanak population, have seen thousands of rioters clashing with gendarmes, resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries. The French government has deployed hundreds of police to the territory and expanded powers for local authorities to restore order. The violence highlights deep-seated tensions between the Kanak people, who seek independence, and descendants of European colonizers, who prefer to remain part of France.
P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter responded to a distress call from a yacht with two men and a woman aboard who were stranded off the coast of New Caledonia after their yacht encountered a broken mast and subsequent power loss. The yacht had been adrift at sea for three days before Pacific Encounter received the call and altered its course to assist. The three stranded sailors were found to be in good health after being rescued and were evaluated by the ship’s medical team. Pacific Encounter resumed its scheduled voyage after the successful completion of the rescue operation.
