The cruise ship Coral Adventurer remains detained off the coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) after running aground on 29 December.
Local authorities explained that the ship took a route “not usually taken by local operators,” encountering strong sea currents that forced it onto the reef, carrying 80 passengers and 44 staff. The ship sailed between Normanby Island and Fergusson Island, moving northward along the coast of Morobe Province before grounding near Dregerhafen Point. Luckily, all passengers and crew were safe following the incident.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has detained the vessel in accordance with the Navigation Act 2012, based on reasonable suspicion that it is not seaworthy due to potential damage sustained during the grounding, and that it is sub‑standard as a result of failures in the implementation of its Safety Management System under the International Safety Management Code.
AMSA is working closely with the Operator, the vessel’s Classification Society and the National Maritime Safety Authority-PNG
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has also opened a safety investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing crew, and conducting inspections of the vessel. Preliminary findings are expected within several months.
Early underwater inspections reportedly found no major hull damage, though full assessments are ongoing. The vessel was successfully refloated on 30 December 2025.