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Cruise ship grounds off Papua New Guinea coast
The Coral Adventurer ran aground approximately 30 km (18 miles) from Lae on Saturday, authorities confirmed. All 80 passengers and 43 crew members were reported unharmed, and initial checks found no hull damage.
Incident details
The grounding occurred during the vessel's first voyage since an elderly passenger died in late October. A spokesperson for the cruise operator stated that further inspections would take place on Sunday.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) told the BBC it had not received a distress signal from the ship and was monitoring developments, ready to assist Papua New Guinea authorities if needed.
Voyage status uncertain
The 12-day trip, scheduled to conclude on 30 December, remains in limbo as officials assess the situation. No decisions about its continuation have been announced.
Ongoing investigation into passenger death
The Coral Adventurer is already under scrutiny following the death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees on 26 October. Rees was left behind on Lizard Island, a remote Australian location, after separating from a hiking group during a rest stop.
The ship departed without her and returned hours later after realizing she was missing. A search operation located her body the next day. The incident occurred two days into a planned 60-day cruise, which was subsequently canceled with full refunds issued.
Company response
Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield expressed condolences, stating the company was "deeply sorry" and cooperating fully with Queensland Police and other authorities. AMSA declined to comment on the investigation's progress, citing a policy against public disclosure of findings.
