The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has released its initial findings into the grounding of the Australian-registered passenger vessel MV Coral Adventurer off its Coast at Finschhafen in Morobe province, confirming that no injuries or environmental damage were recorded.

The vessel ran aground on a coral reef at approximately 5:25am on Saturday, December 27th, while operating within PNG waters.

The PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (PNGMRCC) was alerted shortly after sunrise through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia, and direct communication was quickly established with the ship’s master.

Authorities confirmed that all 124 people on board, comprising 80 passengers and 44 crew, were safely accounted for and remained in good health throughout the incident.

Preliminary inspections by NMSA found no breach to the vessel’s hull, no water ingress, and no oil spill or environmental pollution.

The authority also confirmed that the ship’s machinery and anchors remained operational following the grounding.

“Our investigations so far confirm that the immediate risks were well managed,” said Mr. Paul Unas, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Maritime Safety Authority.

“The safety of passengers and crew, as well as protection of the marine environment, remains our highest priority.”

Mr. Unas said NMSA officers, together with the Provincial Disaster Office and Water Police, boarded the vessel later on Saturday to conduct formal inspections and commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

NMSA confirmed that a natural refloating attempt during high tide using the vessel’s own engines was unsuccessful, prompting authorities to engage Pacific Towing.

A tugboat departed Lae Port early Sunday morning to assist with salvage operations.

As part of its findings, NMSA revealed that a detention order has been issued to the vessel’s master, preventing the ship from departing the site pending further investigations, including a Port State Control inspection.

PNGMRCC continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with JRCC Australia, while further updates are expected as salvage operations and investigations continue.