An 80-year-old woman, Suzanne Rees, was tragically left behind on a remote Australian island after a hike, and later found deceased, sparking accusations of negligence against the cruise operator.
The incident unfolded on Lizard Island, a jewel of the Great Barrier Reef, during the second day of a 60-day voyage around Australia. Suzanne had been enjoying a guided walk with fellow passengers when she began to feel unwell and became separated from the group.
Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed profound shock and grief, stating that the cruise ship, the Coral Adventurer, departed without ensuring her mother was aboard. The family was informed by police that the conditions were exceptionally hot that day, and Suzanne was advised to return to the ship independently after struggling during the ascent to Cook’s Look.
“At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, Mum died, alone,” Katherine revealed in a statement, her voice heavy with sorrow. She described the event as a devastating “failure of care and common sense,” questioning how such a lapse in protocol could occur.
Suzanne was remembered as a vibrant and active woman, a passionate gardener and experienced bushwalker. Her unexpected absence wasn’t noticed until later that evening, prompting a frantic search effort.
The Coral Adventurer immediately turned back towards Lizard Island, initiating a large-scale search operation. Rescuers, utilizing a helicopter, discovered Suzanne’s body the following morning, though details surrounding the cause of death remain undisclosed.
Authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation, led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, focusing on the circumstances that led to Suzanne not being accounted for during boarding. Further questioning of the crew and passengers is planned upon the ship’s arrival in Darwin.
Queensland Police have confirmed that the coroner will investigate the death, currently classified as “non-suspicious.” The investigation aims to understand the sequence of events and determine if any protocols were breached, leaving a family grappling with unimaginable loss and demanding answers.
The island, marketed as a paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, now stands as a somber reminder of a tragic oversight and the devastating consequences of a moment’s inattention.
