Australian authorities are investigating a tragic incident after an 80-year-old woman, left behind by a cruise ship on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, was found dead following an extensive search operation.
According to BBC, the woman had joined a hiking group from the cruise ship Coral Adventurer but is believed to have separated from the group to rest before disappearing.
How It Happened
The group was exploring Lizard Island, about 250 kilometers north of Cairns, when the elderly passenger stopped to rest. The ship departed around sunset, unaware that she had not returned. It wasn’t until several hours later that the crew realized she was missing and turned the vessel back to the island.
Search Efforts and Discovery
A major nighttime search was launched involving a helicopter and rescue teams with flashlights. Witnesses told ABC that the helicopter searched the island’s trails with a spotlight well past midnight.
Her body was discovered the following morning. “We knew something was wrong when everyone was called back from the search,” one passenger said. “It was heartbreaking — such a tragic end in what should have been a paradise.”
Investigation and Company Response
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed it is investigating the incident and will meet with the ship’s crew when the vessel arrives in Darwin later this week.
Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield said the company had contacted the woman’s family and was offering full support. “We express our deepest condolences and are providing every possible assistance to the family,” he said.
Cruise Details and Safety Concerns
According to Courier Mail, this was the first stop of a 60-day luxury cruise around Australia, with tickets costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The Coral Adventurer, designed for expeditions to remote coastal regions, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members.
Queensland Police have confirmed they are preparing a coroner’s report, calling the case a “sudden but non-suspicious death.” The incident, however, raises serious questions about passenger safety protocols and crew accountability on long-distance cruises in remote areas.