A 60-day cruise around Australia has been cancelled following the death of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind on a remote island during a shore excursion. The incident has sparked investigations and raised serious concerns about passenger safety protocols on cruise ships.
Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old Australian woman, was on the Coral Adventurer, a cruise ship operated by Coral Expeditions, which departed from Cairns on October 24. Lizard Island, located about 250 kilometers north of Cairns, was the first stop on the voyage, offering passengers day trips for hiking or snorkeling. Ms. Rees joined a hiking group but broke away to rest during the climb on a particularly hot day.
The ship left Lizard Island without her, and it was only hours later that the crew realized she was missing and returned to search. A major operation involving authorities was launched, and her body was discovered the following day. Preliminary reports suggest she may have succumbed to heat-related illness while alone on the island, though the exact cause of death is under investigation by Queensland Police and the state coroner.
In response to the tragedy, Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield announced on Wednesday that the remainder of the cruise had been cancelled. Passengers and crew were notified, and the company is providing full refunds and coordinating return journeys via chartered flights. The cancellation affects a voyage that typically costs tens of thousands of dollars per passenger.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a notice prohibiting new passengers from boarding the Coral Adventurer and will conduct an inspection when the ship returns to Cairns. This regulatory action aims to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Katherine Rees, the daughter of Suzanne Rees, expressed shock and sadness, stating that her family believes there was a ‘failure of care and common sense.’ She described her mother as an active 80-year-old who was a member of a bushwalking group and hopes the coroner’s inquiry will identify what could have been done to save her life.
Cruise industry experts note that such incidents are rare, as ships typically have strict procedures for passenger counts and disembarkation, often using advanced technology to track movements. Harriet Mallinson, cruise editor of Sailawaze, emphasized that this event appears to be a tragic anomaly, highlighting the importance of robust safety measures in remote excursions.
The incident has broader implications for the tourism and cruise industries, potentially leading to revised protocols for shore activities, especially in isolated areas. It underscores the need for continuous improvement in passenger care to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes and restore public confidence in travel safety.