French research schooner Tara attacked by pirates in Papua New Guinea

The French scientific schooner Tara has been targeted by armed pirates off the coast of Papua New Guinea, interrupting its expedition dedicated to studying coral reefs. The incident occurred on the night of August 20, as the vessel was anchored near Wewak, awaiting departure from the region.

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Several items, including computer equipment, were stolen before the attackers fled.

According to the Tara Ocean Foundation, approximately ten armed individuals arrived on a motorboat and forcibly boarded the schooner. The assailants threatened the crew, demanding money and valuables. "Several items, including computer equipment, were stolen before the attackers fled," the foundation stated on Instagram. One crew member suffered minor injuries during the attack.

Despite the aggression, the schooner has resumed its journey. Romain Troublé, Director General of the Tara Ocean Foundation, assured that all crew members are safe and the ship is continuing its planned route. A psychological support unit has been established for the crew. The attack occurred after nearly three months of scientific research conducted in cooperation with local authorities and populations.

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We want to reassure the families and loved ones of the crew, our partners, and our community: all crew members are safe and the ship is continuing its route as planned.

The Tara Coral expedition, which began in Lorient in December 2025, is an 18-month mission in the Coral Triangle, an area renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. The expedition aims to understand why certain coral reefs exhibit greater resilience to climate change than others. The crew, though shaken, has continued their navigation towards their next destination, Palau, an archipelago in Micronesia, where they are expected to arrive on August 27.

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Although stunned after this attack, the ship's crew, safe and sound, continued their navigation towards their next destination, Palau.