A luxury cruise around Australia has been cancelled after an 80-year-old passenger, Suzanne Rees, was left behind on Lizard Island and found dead the following day. The operator, Coral Expeditions, announced the decision amid investigations into the tragic incident.
On October 25, the Coral Adventurer cruise ship arrived at Lizard Island, the first stop on its 60-day journey from Cairns. Suzanne Rees, an active 80-year-old from Australia, participated in a hiking excursion to the island’s summit but felt ill during the climb. She was instructed to return to the ship unescorted, but never made it back. The ship departed at 3:40 PM local time without her, and it was not until hours later that the crew realized she was missing.
Authorities were alerted around 8:43 PM, triggering a combined land and sea search operation involving Queensland Police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa). Rees’s body was discovered the next day on the remote island. Preliminary reports indicate she may have succumbed to extreme heat or other factors while alone, with the state coroner now investigating the exact cause of death.
On Saturday, November 1, Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield announced the cancellation of the remainder of the voyage, citing the ‘tragic passing of Suzanne Rees and previous mechanical issues.’ Passengers, who had paid tens of thousands of dollars for the luxury cruise, were notified on Wednesday and will receive full refunds. The company is coordinating their return via chartered flights, while the ship heads back to Cairns.
Amsa has issued a notice prohibiting new passengers from boarding the Coral Adventurer and will conduct an investigation upon the ship’s return. The focus is on why Rees was not accounted for during passenger counts and boarding procedures, which are standard safety measures on such voyages. This incident has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of these protocols in remote settings.
Katherine Rees, the daughter of Suzanne Rees, expressed shock and sadness, describing her mother as a fit and active member of a bushwalking group. She criticized the cruise operator for a ‘failure of care and common sense’ and hopes the coroner’s inquiry will identify what could have been done to prevent the tragedy. The family is seeking answers and accountability from Coral Expeditions.
The Coral Adventurer is a purpose-built luxury vessel designed for remote expeditions, accommodating up to 120 guests with 46 crew. It uses small tenders for shore excursions, and industry experts emphasize that incidents like this are rare due to strict safety systems. However, this case highlights potential vulnerabilities in passenger monitoring, especially during organized activities in isolated locations.
As investigations continue, the incident may lead to regulatory changes and heightened safety standards in the cruise industry. Coral Expeditions has apologized and is cooperating fully with authorities, while the Rees family mourns their loss. This event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight in tourism, aiming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.