Coral Expeditions Ship Grounding and Passenger death Under Investigation
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A Coral Expeditions vessel has run aground in Papua New Guinea (PNG), prompting refloating efforts coordinated with a towage provider as of December 29, 2024. Initial inspections have not revealed hull damage,though a comprehensive assessment will occur once the ship is successfully refloated.
voyage Data and Inspections
The ship’s voyage data recorder has been secured, and investigators are analyzing ship tracking data, weather conditions, and maintenance records. Coral Expeditions reports no injuries among passengers or crew. The Australian Maritime Safety authority (AMSA) is currently investigating the incident.
Tour Cancellation and Passenger Evacuation
Acknowledging the disruption to passenger expectations, Coral Expeditions has cancelled the remainder of the tour.All passengers will be transported from PNG via a charter flight.
Recent Passenger Fatality
This grounding follows the death of an 80-year-old passenger, Suzanne Rees, in October. Rees died while hiking on Lizard Island, separating from a group after experiencing illness.The ship departed the island before realizing she was missing, returning hours later to search for her.AMSA has launched a separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rees’s death, focusing on passenger headcount procedures and staffing levels.
