Fourteen people are taking shelter at Vatu Vara Island after the boat they were travelling in hit a reef near the island.

The fourteen people include four from Birdlife International who were going to study wild bird life on the island.

Regional Director for Birdlife International Don Stewart said all the crew members are safe and they have contact with them.

Stewart said a boat will arrive on the island at 6 tomorrow morning which will bring the crew members back.

No one sustained injuries during the incident.