Aranui-5 Vessel Reviews and Specifications

A tragic incident unfolded aboard the 'Aranui' as an 86-year-old German passenger is presumed to have fallen overboard during the night of March 26, 2025. The unfortunate event occurred in the waters between Bora Bora and Papeete. Following dinner on the evening of March 26, the passenger was last seen by fellow travelers and a crew member around 4:30 a.m. the next morning. His absence was discovered when the ship docked in Papeete on March 27. In response, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) initiated a comprehensive search off the coast of Moorea. Despite their diligent efforts, the search operation, which took place over the course of two days, concluded on the afternoon of March 28 without any findings. The maritime community expresses deep condolences during this difficult time.

On October 18, 2020, the picturesque municipality of Hiva Oa, located in the Marquesas Islands, confirmed a Covid-19 case aboard the combi ship 'Aranui 5'. A crew member tested positive for the virus and was promptly placed under observation and isolated alongside two individuals who had been in close contact. Following coordination with the health surveillance office, all three were disembarked in Hiva Oa to ensure their safety while they remain under surveillance on land, preventing any potential spread to other individuals aboard the vessel. Notably, the freight crew had no direct interactions with passengers, allowing the rest of the ship's personnel to efficiently unload cargo on October 18 without endangering the local community's health.

In light of recent events, the Aranui 5, an iconic vessel known for its voyages to the Marquesas, is set to embark on a supply-only mission. This decision comes after eight crew members tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, the ship's 79 passengers were swiftly disembarked and repatriated without any reported infections. Scheduled to sail from Papeete on September 30, the Aranui 5 will transport 1,400 tonnes of essential goods along with 200 m3 of diesel to the Marquesas. A significant challenge facing the operators is ensuring that the ship is staffed with a complete crew of 37, as replacements for the infected members must be found promptly to maintain operational efficiency.