Australian Cruise Ship Coral Adventurer Runs Aground Off Papua New Guinea After Passenger's Death
The Australian cruise ship Coral Adventurer ran aground about 30 km from Lae, Papua New Guinea, early Saturday morning with more than 120 people aboard. Coral Expeditions, the operator, confirmed that all passengers and crew are safe and that no one was hurt in the incident.
Initial inspections indicate no damage to the vessel. The incident has been reported to authorities, and further hull and marine-environment inspections are underway. A team is currently attempting to refloat the ship while these checks are conducted.
This grounding follows the earlier death of passenger Suzanne Rees, aged 80, who went missing after leaving her hiking group on Lizard Island during the ship's 60-day circumnavigation of Australia. Rees's body was found after the ship turned back when she did not return for dinner.
The remainder of the voyage was canceled early. All passengers were flown home from the Torres Strait islands with refunds provided. The cruise features balcony rooms on the 120-guest vessel, which are listed at $86,400 per person.
