Overview
- The Australian-flagged expedition ship grounded early Saturday about 30 kilometres from Lae during a 12-night voyage that departed Cairns on December 18.
- Roughly 123 people were aboard, including about 80 passengers and 43 crew, and authorities reported no injuries.
- PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre officers boarded to assist, and passengers were transferred off the vessel with some moved ashore as refloating efforts began.
- Coral Expeditions said an initial inspection found no damage, and formal checks of the hull and nearby reef are being arranged by local authorities.
- Australia’s maritime regulator said it received no distress call, is monitoring the situation, and continues separate inquiries into the October death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees on Lizard Island.