When a recent carnival cruise ship’s voyage was delayed, officials decided to skip out on a stop in Vanuatu to prevent the possible spread of beetles to other islands, according to Cruise News Today.
The ship was delayed in its departure from Port Villa, Vanuatu, due to a technical issue. Its scheduled stop on Mystery Island — an uninhabited island originally known as Inyeug — was then skipped and substituted a sea day. The decision was made in accordance with local restrictions to stop the spread of the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, which can kill palm trees by draining their sap and damage crops.
The insects, which are active at night, are attracted to light. A ship leaving after dark could potentially carry the invasive beetle and spread it to other islands.



