Overview
- The Coral Adventurer anchored off Yorkeys Knob near Cairns and was boarded by Australian Maritime Safety Authority investigators after returning to the mainland.
- Tracking data shows the ship left Lizard Island at about 3:40pm, staff noticed the passenger’s absence around 6pm, the vessel turned back after 8:40pm, and authorities were notified around 9–10pm.
- Search teams found Suzanne Rees’s body at first light the next day about 50 metres from the Cook’s Look trail, and Queensland Police say the death is non‑suspicious with a report to the coroner being prepared.
- Coral Expeditions canceled the 60‑day voyage, offered full refunds, and arranged charter flights, with AMSA prohibiting new passenger embarkations pending its investigation.
- Reports cite prior engine issues that delayed departure and recurred during the trip, an insider alleges staffing pressures that the company denies, and a former passenger described usual sign‑in procedures for excursions.