Expedition Cruise Ship Grounded Weeks After Passenger Incident

Coral Adventurer Runs Aground in Papua New Guinea

An expedition cruise aboard the Coral Adventurer faced an unexpected halt when the ship ran aground off Papua New Guinea’s east coast. This incident adds to a challenging period for the vessel. The grounding occurred early on Saturday, 27th December 2025, near Dreghafen Point, nestled between Nussing Island and Kumbam Island. This location is about 60 miles from Lae, the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea.

Details of the Incident

The Coral Adventurer set sail from Cairns, Australia, on Thursday, 18th December, embarking on a 12-night cruise along the picturesque Papua New Guinea coastline. However, strong local currents are believed to have played a role in the ship becoming stuck. Local authorities were notified shortly before 6 am. Onboard were 80 passengers and 44 crew members. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. A spokesperson for Coral Expeditions assured, “All passengers and crew are safe.”

Refloating and Inspection Plans

Efforts to refloat the ship are underway, with plans carefully aligned with tidal conditions to aid the process naturally. Once the vessel is freed, a comprehensive inspection of the hull will follow. Coral Expeditions stated, “An initial inspection indicates no damage to the vessel.” Authorities will also evaluate the surrounding marine environment for any potential fuel leaks or harm to nearby coral reefs. Currently, there is no confirmed timeline for when the Coral Adventurer will resume its itinerary. The ship was due back in Cairns for disembarkation on Tuesday, 30th December. If refloating efforts face delays or repairs are necessary, alternative arrangements for guests may be required, potentially affecting future sailings.

Previous Incident Casts a Shadow

This grounding incident comes on the heels of a tragic event earlier in the ship’s season. In late October, an 80-year-old passenger, Suzanne Rees, tragically passed away after being left behind during a shore excursion on Lizard Island, Queensland. Rees, travelling solo, had joined a guided hike during the first port visit of a planned 60-night circumnavigation of Australia. She reportedly separated from the group to rest and did not return to the ship before it departed. Upon discovering her absence, the Coral Adventurer returned to Lizard Island, launching search operations. Sadly, Rees was later found deceased some distance from the hiking trail.

Impact on Future Voyages

Following the tragic incident, the remainder of the voyage was cancelled, and guests were flown home on chartered flights. The cruise line acknowledged that it could no longer deliver the experience guests had anticipated. The recent grounding adds further uncertainty to the ship’s schedule, leaving future sailings in question. As the situation unfolds, passengers and cruise enthusiasts alike are keenly watching for updates on the Coral Adventurer’s return to service.