Investigation Launched After Cruise Ship Leaves Elderly Woman Behind to Die

Wed Nov 05 2025 18:27:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A tragic incident aboard the Coral Adventurer has led to an investigation after 80-year-old Suzanne Rees was left on Lizard Island, ultimately leading to her death. Authorities are now looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Coral Adventurer cruise ship is under investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority following the death of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind on a remote island during an excursion. Suzanne Rees was on a hiking trip when she fell ill and was accidentally left by the ship, prompting a search operation. The cruise operator, Coral Expeditions, has expressed condolences and is cooperating with the investigation.

Investigators have boarded the Coral Adventurer 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 but broke away from the group to rest. The ship departed without her, only realizing hours later that she was missing.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) officials boarded the vessel on Wednesday morning local time as part of their investigation, which also includes the Queensland Police and state coroner.

Ms. Rees' death has raised significant concerns over the cruise operator's safety protocols, leading to an immediate cancellation of the cruise, which cost passengers tens of thousands of dollars. According to reports, the Coral Adventurer had docked off the coast of Yorkey's Knob early Tuesday evening, where it remained for several days.

The ship caters for up to 120 guests and 46 crew members, designed for navigating remote areas of Australia's coastline. Following the tragic events, the cruise operator has extended its condolences to Ms. Rees's family and is cooperating fully with the investigation.

Suzanne's daughter has expressed her shock and sadness over the incident, stating that her mother was an active individual who fell severely ill while hiking and was left unescorted. The family hopes the inquiry will reveal what the cruise company could have done differently to prevent this tragedy.

The search for Ms. Rees began late on Saturday, October 25, the day she went missing, but rescue teams were unable to locate her until the following day when her body was discovered.