Investigation Launched After Woman Left to Die on Australian Island by Cruise Ship

Wed Nov 19 2025 10:17:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Authorities have boarded the Coral Adventurer after the tragic death of an elderly passenger who was left behind during a cruise.

The Coral Adventurer cruise ship is under scrutiny following the death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, who was accidentally abandoned on Lizard Island. Investigators from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority have begun their inquiry, coinciding with the ship's return to Cairns more than a week after the incident. Rees' family expressed their sorrow and concern over the circumstances leading to her untimely death, urging for accountability and clarity from the cruise operator.

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 realized 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 further on the investigation.

The 60-day cruise around Australia, which had cost guests tens of thousands of dollars, was cancelled following Ms. Rees' death as well as mechanical issues.

Rees' family has voiced their shock and grief over the incident. Her daughter, Katherine Rees, lamented the lack of care and attention demonstrated by the cruise company, expressing hopes that the coroner's inquiry would shed light on potential safety lapses that could have prevented her mother's demise.

The Coral Adventurer, known for accessing remote areas, caters for up to 120 guests with 46 crew members. It had been expected to dock at Cairns but was instead anchored off Yorkey's Knob due to a lack of available berths.

The incident has raised questions about safety protocols during excursions, particularly regarding headcounts and passenger supervision, amidst a backdrop of growing concern over travel safety.