The passenger vessel Coral Adventurer has returned to headlines following a grounding off Papua New Guinea’s eastern coast.
Earlier this year, the ship attracted widespread attention after a tragic incident in the Great Barrier Reef.
An 80-year-old passenger, Suzanne Rees, failed to return from a group hike on Lizard Island.
Rescue teams found her remains the following day.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Passengers and Crew Safe
Most recently, Coral Adventurer ran aground on a reef while operating near Papua New Guinea.
However, all 80 passengers and 44 crew members are safe and unharmed.
The voyage departed Cairns, northern Australia, on 18 December.
Following the incident, Coral Expeditions confirmed the cruise would end one day early.
The operator also arranged passenger repatriation back to Australia.
Strong Currents Blamed
According to Coral Expeditions, strong sea currents pushed the vessel onto the reef.
As a result, Coral Adventurer listed approximately six degrees to port.
Inspectors later carried out detailed checks.
They found no structural damage.
Importantly, authorities reported no pollution or fuel spillage.
Detained Pending Investigation
Despite these findings, regulators issued a detention notice.
Officials declared the ship temporarily unseaworthy as a precaution.
Coral Adventurer must remain at its current location until all regulatory requirements are complete.
Initial attempts to refloat the ship using its engines and a tug failed.
Consequently, authorities dispatched a larger tug from Lae, Papua New Guinea’s second-largest city.
Formal Inquiry
Meanwhile, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened a formal investigation.
In addition, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority detained the vessel.
AMSA stated it acted on reasonable suspicion of possible grounding damage.
The investigation will determine contributing factors and any safety lessons.