A luxury Australian cruise has been officially canceled following the death of an 80-year-old passenger during a shore excursion. Suzanne Rees was found deceased after being left behind on Lizard Island, one of the initial stops on the planned 60-day voyage. The incident has prompted an investigation into how the passenger was unaccounted for when the vessel departed.
Key Takeaways
- An 80-year-old passenger died after being left on Lizard Island.
- The luxury 60-day cruise around Australia was canceled.
- Authorities are investigating how the passenger was not accounted for.
- Coral Expeditions is offering full refunds and flight arrangements.
Tragic Discovery on Remote Island
Suzanne Rees was reported missing on Saturday night after crew members aboard the Coral Adventurer confirmed she had not returned to the ship. A comprehensive land and sea search was immediately launched. Her body was discovered on Lizard Island the following day, Sunday.
Queensland police have described her death as "sudden and non-suspicious." This classification helps clarify the nature of the tragic event, though the circumstances leading to her being left behind remain under scrutiny.
Fact File: Lizard Island
- Located 19 miles off Australia’s Queensland coast.
- Known for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling excursions.
- A remote and picturesque destination.
Cruise Operator Issues Statement and Refunds
Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, the company operating the cruise, confirmed the cancellation of the remainder of the trip. He cited the "tragic passing of Suzanne Rees and previous mechanical issues" as reasons for the decision.
"We are deeply sorry for the incident and have been in contact with the woman’s family," Fifield stated. "We will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process."
The company is issuing full refunds to all passengers. They are also coordinating flights to help passengers return home, addressing the significant disruption to their travel plans.
Investigation into Boarding Procedures
Authorities are now focused on understanding how Ms. Rees was not accounted for when the Coral Adventurer departed Lizard Island without her. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has announced it will investigate the incident.
AMSA's investigation will include a review of "the circumstances surrounding why the passenger may not have been accounted for during boarding." This crucial aspect aims to identify any procedural gaps that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Background on the Voyage
The ill-fated voyage was a 60-day luxury cruise, reportedly costing around $50,000 per passenger. It was scheduled to take passengers around Australia, with a final destination in Western Australia. Ms. Rees had boarded the cruise just one day before the incident occurred.
Passenger Activities Before Discovery
On the day of the incident, Ms. Rees had reportedly been hiking with other passengers on Lizard Island. It is believed she separated from the group to rest at some point during the excursion.
Lizard Island is a remote location, offering various activities for visitors. These include hiking trails that lead to scenic lookouts, as well as opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in its clear waters. The island's remote nature adds to the complexity of the search and recovery efforts.
Impact on Passengers and Industry
The cancellation of a $50,000, 60-day luxury cruise represents a significant disruption for all involved. Passengers, many of whom had likely planned this trip for a long time, now face sudden changes to their travel arrangements.
This incident also highlights the critical importance of robust passenger accounting procedures in the cruise industry. While rare, such events underscore the need for constant vigilance and strict adherence to safety protocols, especially when passengers are disembarking and re-embarking at remote locations.
The ongoing investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority will likely provide further insights into the specific chain of events. The findings could lead to important safety recommendations for cruise operators globally.
