A major cruise ship carrying hundreds of British holidaymakers has been left stranded after running aground on a remote reef near Papua New Guinea, forcing a complex airlift operation to bring all passengers and crew home.
Ship Stuck on Tufi Reef After Mechanical Failure
The vessel, identified as the Pacific Explorer operated by P&O Cruises Australia, became stuck on the Tufi Reef, approximately 20 kilometres from the PNG coast, on Sunday, 28 December 2025. The incident was triggered by a mechanical failure in the ship's propulsion system during adverse weather conditions.
Initial attempts to free the 77,000-tonne ship during a high tide on Monday proved unsuccessful. A spokesperson for Carnival Corporation & plc, P&O's parent company, confirmed that all efforts to refloat the Pacific Explorer have now been abandoned. The focus has shifted entirely to the safe disembarkation and repatriation of everyone on board.
Mass Airlift Planned for 1,500 Passengers and Crew
Authorities are now coordinating a large-scale evacuation. The plan involves transferring the approximately 1,500 passengers and crew members from the stranded ship to the PNG mainland via a fleet of smaller vessels. From there, they will be flown home on chartered flights.
A statement from P&O Cruises assured that all passengers are safe and have access to necessities, including food, water, and medical care. The company is working closely with local authorities and emergency services to execute the evacuation as smoothly as possible. The logistical challenge is significant, given the remote location of the incident.
The UK Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with local authorities and is providing consular assistance to the British nationals affected. Many of the passengers are reported to be from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Investigation Launched and Future Itineraries Cancelled
With the ship expected to remain lodged on the reef for the foreseeable future, a formal investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure has been initiated. Maritime experts will examine the circumstances that led to the grounding.
In the meantime, P&O Cruises Australia has been forced to cancel the Pacific Explorer's upcoming scheduled voyages. The company has begun the process of notifying passengers booked on future trips and issuing full refunds. The incident represents a serious operational and reputational setback for the cruise line, which is a popular choice for travellers exploring the South Pacific.
The stranded cruise ship near Papua New Guinea underscores the vulnerabilities of maritime travel in remote regions and the complex international response required when such emergencies occur. The successful evacuation of all individuals will be the immediate priority before attention turns to the salvage of the vessel itself.
