Coral Adventurer Grounding Off Papua New Guinea Forces Passenger Evacuation – 27 December 2025

Coral Adventurer grounding occurred on 27 December 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.