Cruise Ship Runs Aground: The Aftermath of Leaving a Passenger Behind on a Remote Island
The Coral Adventurer faced serious issues recently, running aground off Papua New Guinea’s coast on December 27, 2025, while carrying over 120 guests and crew members. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. The ship had left Cairns, Australia for a 12-night cruise on December 18 and encountered trouble just before 6 a.m. near Dreghafen Point, with local authorities alerted to assist in the situation.
The cruise line, Coral Expeditions, stated that all aboard were safe and that there was no initial damage to the vessel. However, strong currents were believed to have contributed to the grounding, and officials planned to conduct a thorough inspection of the ship’s hull to check for potential risks and ensure the marine environment remained unharmed.
The grounding incident followed a previous tragedy where an 80-year-old female passenger, Suzanne Rees, was left behind on Lizard Island during a hiking excursion. After separating from her group, she was reported missing, leading to search efforts that tragically found her deceased away from the hiking trail. This incident resulted in the cancellation of further sailings for the Coral Adventurer, with guests flown home via chartered flights, as Coral Expeditions acknowledged that they could not provide the expected quality of experience.
With the recent grounding of the ship, the timeline for returning to its original itinerary remains uncertain. If the Coral Adventurer is unable to refloat in time, alternative travel arrangements for guests may become necessary. The incident raises questions about how such grounding events occur, particularly for expedition ships that navigate less familiar waters and can encounter submerged reefs or shifting sandbars.
For more details on the incidents and related news, refer to:
- Nine News
- What Is an Expedition Cruise?
- Elderly Guest Left Behind Incident
- Rest of the Sailing Cancelled
- Ocean Explorer Incident
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At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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