Investigators have boarded an Australian cruise ship more than 10 days after the death of an elderly female passenger who was left behind on a remote island. Suzanne Rees, 80, had been hiking on Lizard Island with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer, but broke off from the group for a rest. The ship left without her, only returning several hours later when the crew realised she was missing.
Officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) boarded the vessel to probe the incident, which has also drawn the attention of Queensland Police and the state coroner.
The unfortunate event has led to the cancellation of a 60-day cruise that cost guests tens of thousands of dollars, attributed to both Ms. Rees' death and mechanical issues. The Coral Adventurer was anchored near Cairns after the incident, with only a skeleton crew remaining on board.
Tracking data showed the ship left Cairns for its journey on October 24, 2025. Passengers were taken to the island, where they could either hike or snorkel. Tragically, it was during a hike that Ms. Rees fell ill and was left behind when the cruise ship departed.
Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed deep sorrow over the handling of the situation, stating that her mother was left alone amidst the heat after a series of oversights by the cruise operator.
The cruise company has stated that they are cooperating with the investigation and have expressed condolences to the Rees family.
Officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) boarded the vessel to probe the incident, which has also drawn the attention of Queensland Police and the state coroner.
The unfortunate event has led to the cancellation of a 60-day cruise that cost guests tens of thousands of dollars, attributed to both Ms. Rees' death and mechanical issues. The Coral Adventurer was anchored near Cairns after the incident, with only a skeleton crew remaining on board.
Tracking data showed the ship left Cairns for its journey on October 24, 2025. Passengers were taken to the island, where they could either hike or snorkel. Tragically, it was during a hike that Ms. Rees fell ill and was left behind when the cruise ship departed.
Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed deep sorrow over the handling of the situation, stating that her mother was left alone amidst the heat after a series of oversights by the cruise operator.
The cruise company has stated that they are cooperating with the investigation and have expressed condolences to the Rees family.
