Coral Adventurer
Share and Follow
Australian-flagged vessel, the Coral Adventurer, hit a coral reef and ran aground off the Papua New Guinea coast, stuck around 30 kilometres from the city of Lae.
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer ran into trouble off the Papua New Guinea coast during its first trip back at sea, after the death of an 80-year-old passenger on Lizard Island. (9News)

The crew reported the situation to the appropriate authorities at approximately 6 a.m.

According to 9News, the luxury cruise ship is carrying a total of 123 individuals, comprising 80 passengers and 43 crew members.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a statement confirming that all passengers and crew are unharmed.

The Papua New Guinea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre also verified that an officer has boarded the vessel to assist with the ongoing situation.

Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer ran into trouble off the Papua New Guinea coast during its first trip back at sea, after the death of an 80-year-old passenger on Lizard Island. (9News)

Rescue teams are awaiting the high tide to aid in refloating the ship and to evaluate any potential damage.

It’s been troubled waters for the luxury cruise ship that’s already navigated a turbulent two months after it made headlines in October.

Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old New South Wales tourist, was found dead on remote Lizard Island several hours after being left behind by the Coral Adventurer.

The tragedy ultimately sparked several investigations, including by the AMSA and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, which remains ongoing.

Suzanne Rees
Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old New South Wales tourist, was found dead on remote Lizard Island several hours after being left behind by the Coral Adventurer. (9News)


This latest 12-night cruise, which costs $13,280 per person, departed from Cairns on December 18, reaching Papua New Guinea last Saturday on December 20.

It’s then been cruising up the coastline over the past week before this latest bungle happened on December 27.

Passengers were due to disembark on December 30.

Coral Expeditions responded on Saturday evening, saying an initial inspection has found no damage to the vessel and further investigations will be undertaken.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Soccer coach, children missing after tour boat sinks in Indonesia

Youth Soccer Coach and Team Unaccounted for Following Tragic Boat Incident in Indonesia

Indonesian rescuers are searching for a Spanish soccer coach and his three…
The property is fenced off, after a freak storm left the house plagued with mould.

Family’s Dream Home Faces Challenges with Mould Infestation

A south-west Sydney family have been forced to abandon their dream home…
Sydney NYE 2024. HIGH RES. The midnight New Year's Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour, viewed from Mrs Macquaries Chair. 31 December 2024. Photo: Wolter Peeters, The Sydney Morning Herald.

Experience Sydney’s Unforgettable New Year’s Eve: Over 1.1 Million Revelers Anticipate a Spectacular Celebration

Over 1.1 million visitors are anticipated to converge on the city to…
Nation rocked by 6.6-magnitude earthquake

Powerful 6.6 Earthquake Shakes the Nation: What You Need to Know

The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit Taiwan just…
A rescue worker puts out a fire of a house destroyed after a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

Deadly Russian Strike on Kyiv: Tensions Escalate Ahead of Crucial Trump-Zelenskyy Summit

The tranquility of Kyiv was shattered by a series of explosions that…
Drone attack in Kyiv

Russia Intensifies Assault on Kyiv as Trump-Zelenskyy Peace Talks Approach

A recent aerial assault resulted in the death of a 71-year-old individual…
In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, damage is seen after an explosion hit the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dahab neighborhood of Homs, Syria, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. (SANA via AP)

Tragic Mosque Bombing in Syria Claims 8 Lives, Injures 18: A Call for Peace Amidst Destruction

A bombing at a mosque in the Syrian city of Homs during…
Boris Tetleroyd, 68, was one of 15 people killed in the December 14 attack when the alleged father and son gunmen opened fire.

Bondi Beach Victim’s Family Dismisses Albanese’s Apology as Insincere

The tragic events of December 14, in which a hail of gunfire…