An elderly woman, identified as Suzanne Rees, was discovered deceased on a secluded island after being inadvertently left behind by a cruise ship. The 80-year-old tourist went missing on Lizard Island in Queensland, Australia, during an organized hike. She was reported absent when she failed to show up for dinner approximately five hours after disappearing, while experiencing a medical emergency as the cruise ship departed for its next destination.
Family members of Ms. Rees have criticized Coral Expeditions, operated by the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) in Australia, for what they perceive as a lack of care and judgment. The incident occurred on the initial stop of the Coral Adventurer’s extensive journey around Australia, a luxurious holiday costing £40,000 per individual. An official inquiry will investigate the circumstances surrounding Ms. Rees’ abandonment, including claims that a passenger count was not conducted before the ship’s departure.
Ms. Rees’ body was located 50 meters off the hiking path leading to Cook’s Look, the highest summit on Lizard Island, on a Sunday. The Coral Adventurer had departed Cairns for the voyage just the previous Friday afternoon.
Following a stop at Lizard Island on Saturday, where passengers could partake in activities like hiking and snorkeling, the ship left on Sunday around 1 pm. A search operation was initiated after Ms. Rees was reported missing, with a helicopter conducting an aerial search over Lizard Island. The vessel, accommodating 112 passengers, reportedly returned to shore, with crew members participating in the search effort.
Mark Fifield, the CEO of Coral Expeditions, confirmed the unfortunate incident to the media, expressing regret over the situation and offering condolences to Ms. Rees’ family. The company is cooperating with authorities in an ongoing investigation and providing support to the bereaved family.
Law enforcement officials are assisting in the investigation, classifying the death as “sudden and non-suspicious.” Tourism Tropical North Queensland has expressed sympathy for the family and is awaiting further details due to the active investigation. A comprehensive report will be compiled for the coroner.
