The body of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees was found on Lizard Island after she was left behind when the Coral Adventurer cruise ship departed. She had been hiking with other passengers but fell ill and separated from the group. Her daughter, Katherine, criticized the cruise company for a “lack of consideration and common sense,” expressing shock that her healthy and active mother was left stranded. The ship had stopped at the island for a day trip during a 60-day cruise around Australia that began in Cairns.
After reporting Suzanne missing, the ship’s captain alerted the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) at around 9 PM. Despite searching the island, rescue efforts were called off until early Sunday morning when her body was found. AMSA is investigating the incident, and Coral Expeditions has expressed regret, stating they are cooperating with authorities.
Cruise industry expert Harriet Mallinson noted that such incidents are rare and that cruise lines typically have procedures to ensure all passengers are accounted for.
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