An Australian cruise ship, the Coral Adventurer, ran aground off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Saturday morning. The incident occurred approximately 30 kilometers from Lae, in Morobe Province, with 80 passengers and 43 crew members aboard.
According to a statement from Coral Expeditions, all passengers and crew are safe and an initial inspection revealed no damage to the vessel. The company reported the incident to authorities, and further inspections of the hull and surrounding marine environment will be conducted as standard procedure.
Local authorities are currently working with Coral Expeditions to refloat the ship. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed it was aware of the grounding but did not receive a distress call. AMSA stated it is prepared to assist PNG authorities if needed.
PNG’s national broadcaster, NBC, reported that the grounding occurred while the ship was en route to Madang Province and the Sepik River, and was caused by strong sea currents. Authorities will assess potential damage to coral reefs at Dreghafen Point, the location of the grounding.
Ship on Regulator’s Radar After 80-Year-Old’s Death
This incident comes two months after the death of 80-year-old tourist Suzanne Rees on the Great Barrier Reef’s Lizard Island. The Coral Adventurer is currently under investigation by AMSA regarding the circumstances surrounding Ms. Rees’ death.
AMSA officers and a Coral Expeditions representative boarded the ship’s tender in October to investigate. Ms. Rees was found dead on Lizard Island on October 26th, after beginning a hike to the island’s lookout the previous day. Her family reported being told she felt unwell and attempted to return alone.
Following Ms. Rees’ death, Coral Expeditions cancelled a 60-day voyage and reported encountering mechanical problems. AMSA has stated it will examine why Ms. Rees may not have been accounted for during boarding, as commercial passenger vessels are required to have passenger monitoring procedures, including headcounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Coral Adventurer?
The Coral Adventurer ran aground off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Saturday morning, approximately 30 kilometers from Lae. All passengers and crew are reported safe.
Was this ship previously under investigation?
Yes, the Coral Adventurer was under investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) following the death of 80-year-old tourist Suzanne Rees on Lizard Island earlier this year.
What is being done to address the current situation?
Local authorities are working with Coral Expeditions to refloat the ship, and further inspections will be conducted to assess any damage to the vessel and the marine environment.
Given the recent investigations and this latest incident, what steps will Coral Expeditions take to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew on future voyages?
