Ship travel

Australian Cruise Ship Runs Aground in Papua New Guinea

Is Coral Expeditions dangerously dysfunctional, or is the cruise industry being strangled by over-regulation?

Published DEC 29 2025

Australian Cruise Ship Runs Aground in Papua New Guinea

Story

Above: Cruise ship moored off Lababia Island, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea on June 13, 2019. Image credit: Chris Caldicott/Design Pics Editorial/Getty Images

The Facts

The Australian-flagged Coral Adventurer ran aground on a coral reef approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Lae, Papua New Guinea, on Saturday morning after encountering strong sea currents. The vessel was carrying 80 passengers and 43 crew members, all of whom were reported safe and uninjured.
RNZ
Daily Mail
ABC Australia
The 12-night voyage departed on Dec. 18 and was scheduled to conclude on Dec. 30. The operator of the ship, Coral Expeditions, announced on Monday that it would end the tour early and fly passengers back to Australia on a charter flight.
Guardian
New York Post
Initial inspections indicated no damage to the vessel or spillage of pollutants, though further inspections of the hull and marine environment were planned as standard procedure. A detention notice was issued by authorities, deeming the ship temporarily unseaworthy.
Independent
BBC News
Attempts to refloat the Coral Adventurer using its own engines and a tugboat on Sunday were unsuccessful. An officer from the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre boarded the vessel to provide assistance with the incident.
New York Post
ABC Australia
Morobe's provincial governor stated the vessel took a route not usually used by local operators because the reef is known to be high in that area. Authorities planned to inspect for damage to coral reefs at Dregerhafen Point, where the ship ran aground.
ABC Australia
BBC News
The Coral Adventurer is under investigation following the October death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, who was left behind during an excursion. Her body was found the following day after the ship departed without her.
Daily Mail
The US Sun

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Following the death of Suzanne Rees, it is clear that something isn't right at Coral Expeditions, with it being a miracle that passengers were left unharmed. Insiders allege serious operational dysfunction at this organization, and a real investigation is needed to prevent further accidents. Passengers need to know that safety is the first priority.

The Advertiser

Narrative B

The Australian cruise industry has taken financial damage thanks to regulations and a lack of national vision. Safety will become a casualty if corners continue to be cut as the industry loses billions due to disjointed regulations and exorbitant fees. Accidents happen, but more regulations will harm the industry further.