Australian-registered cruise ship runs aground off PNG coast
An Australian-registered cruise ship has run aground on coral reefs at Dreghafen Point in Morobe Province, triggering an emergency response from PNG maritime authorities.
Police confirmed the vessel, Coral Adventurer, became grounded early yesterday morning while travelling through the Finschhafen District on its way to Madang and the Sepik. The incident occurred at about 5.30am after the ship encountered strong sea currents.
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| Australian-registered cruise ship runs aground off PNG coast [Photo supplied] |
The ship, operated by Coral Expeditions and captained by George Korovytsky, had departed Cairns and was carrying more than 120 people at the time of the grounding.
The Morobe Provincial Police Commander’s Office said Lae Water Police were notified shortly after the incident and deployed officers to the site. The team arrived at around 11.30am together with an officer from the National Maritime Safety Authority.
Police carried out inspections onboard, checking documentation and safety conditions before allowing further procedures. A grounding permit was later issued to allow assessments to continue.
Authorities said a specialised NMSA investigation team is expected to attend the site to examine possible damage to the vessel’s hull and to determine whether the coral reef at Dreghafen Point was affected.
The vessel is carrying 80 passengers from Australia, New Zealand and Canada, two from Israel, and 44 crew members. Three Water Police officers remain on board for security until clearance is given for the ship to resume its journey.
Police said, “Further findings will be released once assessments on the vessel and surrounding reef are completed.”
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