123 Aboard Coral Adventurer Safe After PNG Reef Strike

PAPUA NEW GUINEA :  An international investigation has been launched after the Australian-flagged luxury cruise ship, Coral Adventurer, ran aground on a coral reef off the coast of Papua New Guinea early Saturday morning.

The vessel, operated by Cairns-based Coral Expeditions, struck a reef approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Lae at 5:25 AM. At the time of the incident, 123 people were on board, including 80 passengers who had paid upwards of $13,280 each for the 12-night tropical itinerary.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre have confirmed that no injuries were reported.

“The ATSB will attend the ship to conduct interviews and collect evidence and data once appropriate,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said in a statement. “Data from the ship’s voyage data recorder has been quarantined.”

Crews worked through the weekend to utilize high-tide windows to re-float the vessel. On Saturday evening, Coral Expeditions released a statement indicating that an initial inspection found no significant damage to the hull, though a comprehensive technical assessment is ongoing.

The 12-night cruise departed Cairns on December 18 and was scheduled to conclude on December 30. It remains unclear if passengers will be able to complete the final days of their voyage or if an emergency disembarkation will be required in Lae.