Investigators have boarded the Coral Adventurer cruise ship after an 80-year-old passenger was left behind on a remote Australian island and later found dead, sparking a comprehensive probe into the tragic incident. The event underscores serious concerns about passenger safety protocols on luxury cruises operating in isolated regions.
On October 25, 2025, Suzanne Rees, an active 80-year-old from Sydney, was participating in a guided hike on Lizard Island as part of a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia. During the excursion, she felt unwell in the heat and was advised by crew members to descend the trail unaccompanied to rest. However, the Coral Adventurer departed from the island at approximately 3:40 PM local time without ensuring all passengers were accounted for, leaving Ms. Rees behind.
The absence of Ms. Rees was only noticed around 6:00 PM when she failed to appear for dinner onboard. The ship, which had traveled about 100 kilometers away, turned back towards Lizard Island at 8:43 PM. Authorities were notified, and a combined land and sea search was launched late that evening, involving Queensland Police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Tragically, her body was discovered on the island the following day, October 26.
In response to the incident, AMSA investigators boarded the vessel on the morning of November 5, 2025, as it anchored off the coast of Yorkeys Knob near Cairns. The ship had returned to the mainland but could not dock due to unavailable berths. A skeleton crew remains onboard while the investigation progresses, with officials from multiple agencies working to determine the sequence of events and any lapses in safety procedures.
The Rees family has expressed profound grief and frustration over the handling of the situation. Katherine Rees, Suzanne’s daughter, stated that her mother was healthy and active, and the family believes there was a “failure of care and common sense.” She emphasized that the cruise operator should have conducted a passenger count before departure and provided better assistance, hoping the coroner’s inquiry will reveal measures that could have prevented the death.
Coral Expeditions, the operator of the Coral Adventurer, cancelled the remainder of the luxury cruise, which had cost passengers up to $86,400 per person for balcony rooms. The decision was influenced by both the tragic event and pre-existing mechanical issues that had delayed the voyage’s start. All passengers were disembarked at Horn Island over the weekend and flown home on charter flights, with the company offering full refunds and cooperating fully with authorities.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks associated with cruise ship excursions in remote locations like the Great Barrier Reef. AMSA’s investigation will focus on why passenger accountability failed, including whether proper headcounts were performed. Additionally, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is conducting its own inquiries, which may lead to enhanced regulations for the tourism industry.
As the investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring such tragedies are not repeated. The outcomes could prompt changes in operational protocols for cruise ships, particularly in how they manage passenger safety during shore excursions. The coroner’s report, expected in the coming months, will provide further insights and potentially recommend systemic improvements to protect future travelers.