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HomeAUCruise Ship Hits Ground on Maiden Voyage Following Tragic Passenger Incident

Cruise Ship Hits Ground on Maiden Voyage Following Tragic Passenger Incident

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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.

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