A cruise ship has run aground in Papua New Guinea (PNG), marking a troubling turn for the Coral Adventurer, which is under investigation following the death of an elderly passenger in late October.
On December 28, the ship encountered a 'grounding incident' approximately 30 km from the city of Lae. Despite the incident, all passengers and crew were reported safe, and initial inspections showed no visible damage to the hull. Further inspections are scheduled.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) stated that they did not receive a distress call from the Coral Adventurer and will continue monitoring the situation, ready to assist PNG authorities as needed.
The cruise, carrying 80 passengers and 43 crew members, was supposed to end on December 30. The recent grounding incident follows the controversial death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, whose body was found on Lizard Island after she was accidentally left behind when the ship left the area. Following the tragedy, a major search operation was launched, resulting in her body being located the next day.
Investigations by AMSA and Queensland Police are currently underway regarding the circumstances surrounding Rees's death. Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, expressed deep regret over the incident and pledged the company’s full support to the Rees family while cooperating with the ongoing inquiries.
AMSA has not commented publicly on the status of its investigation, emphasizing the confidentiality of its processes.
