Have any questions? Call us: Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cruise ships and cruise ship excursions to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of cruise ship accident compensation claims.
Coral Adventurer grounding occurred on December 27, 2025, when the expedition cruise ship struck a coral reef off Dregerhafen Point on the coast of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea.
The vessel was carrying 80 passengers and 43 crew members during a voyage from Cairns through Papua New Guinea. Initial reports indicated no physical injuries, hull breach or water ingress. Attempts to refloat the ship using its engines were unsuccessful, and a tug was sent from Lae.
Coral Adventurer was refloated on December 30 after towing efforts and anchored offshore. Passengers then disembarked by tender and were taken to Lae before a charter flight returned them to Cairns, ending the cruise early. Authorities in Papua New Guinea and Australia opened inquiries, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority detained the vessel while its condition and safety-management compliance were assessed.