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 Ms Rees was missing. Officials from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) boarded the vessel on Wednesday morning local time. Amsa, which is probing the incident alongside Queensland Police and the state coroner, told the BBC it could not comment on the investigation.
The 60-day cruise around Australia, which had cost guests tens of thousands of dollars, was cancelled due to Ms Rees' death as well as mechanical issues. The Coral Adventurer had been expected to dock at Cairns – where its operator Coral Expeditions is based. But a lack of available berths meant it instead dropped anchor a few kilometres north early on Tuesday evening, off the coast of Yorkey's Knob, where it remained on Wednesday morning.
Passengers aboard were transported by tenders to the secluded island – home to a luxury resort and a research station - for a day trip with the option of hiking or snorkelling. Suzanne Rees' daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed that her family was 'shocked and saddened' about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The company has announced their cooperation with the investigation, stating they are 'deeply sorry' about the situation.
The 60-day cruise around Australia, which had cost guests tens of thousands of dollars, was cancelled due to Ms Rees' death as well as mechanical issues. The Coral Adventurer had been expected to dock at Cairns – where its operator Coral Expeditions is based. But a lack of available berths meant it instead dropped anchor a few kilometres north early on Tuesday evening, off the coast of Yorkey's Knob, where it remained on Wednesday morning.
Passengers aboard were transported by tenders to the secluded island – home to a luxury resort and a research station - for a day trip with the option of hiking or snorkelling. Suzanne Rees' daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed that her family was 'shocked and saddened' about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The company has announced their cooperation with the investigation, stating they are 'deeply sorry' about the situation.
