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.