Overview
- The Australian-flagged expedition ship grounded early Saturday about 30 kilometres from Lae, with the operator reporting no injuries.
- Roughly 123 people were on board, including about 80 passengers and 43 crew, according to multiple reports.
- Papua New Guinea's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre boarded the vessel to assist as authorities assess refloating options tied to tides.
- Coral Expeditions said initial checks found no hull damage, and officials plan formal inspections of the ship and nearby coral at Dreghafen Point.
- Australia's maritime regulator said it received no distress call and is monitoring to support PNG authorities, with conflicting reports on whether passengers were taken ashore.