Tragic Incident: 80-Year-Old Australian Woman Dies After Being Left Behind by Cruise Ship on Remote Island

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An elderly Australian woman, aged 80, was discovered deceased on Lizard Island, a stunning location within the Great Barrier Reef, after being inadvertently abandoned by her cruise vessel. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently investigating this incident, particularly focusing on why the passenger wasn't properly accounted for during the boarding process. Officials plan to interview the ship's personnel when the Coral Adventurer arrives in Darwin on November 2.

The unfortunate event occurred on October 24, when the woman participated in a group excursion to Cook's Look, the island's highest elevation point. She experienced difficulty maintaining pace with others and chose to stop for a break.

Upon realizing her absence, crew members initiated a search operation, locating her body the following morning. Queensland Police have classified her death as "sudden and non-suspicious."

The woman was enjoying a 60-day premium cruise around Australia, with a price tag of approximately AU$80,000 (about US$50,000). Fellow travelers and staff expressed their distress regarding the incident and offered condolences, noting that this should have been a joyous experience for her.

According to The Guardian, "Her daughter stated on Thursday that her family was 'shocked and saddened that the Coral Adventurer departed Lizard Island after an organized excursion without my mother, Suzanne'."

Katherine Rees remarked in a statement, "From what little information we've received, it appears there was a failure of both care and common sense," adding that her mother had been a healthy and active gardener.

"Police informed us it was extremely hot that day, and Mom felt unwell during the climb. She was instructed to return downhill, unaccompanied. The ship subsequently departed, apparently without conducting a passenger count. At some point during that sequence or shortly afterward, Mom passed away, alone."

"I hope the coronial investigation will determine what measures the company should have implemented that might have prevented Mom's death," Katherine Rees stated.