Australian Probes Launched After 80-Year-Old Cruiser Found Dead on Lizard Island

Overview

• Suzanne Rees, 80, was found dead on Sunday morning after going missing during a shore hike on Lizard Island, the first stop of a 60‑day Coral Adventurer voyage.
• The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said it was first notified around 9 p.m. Saturday and has opened an investigation and plans to meet the crew.
• Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner as officials examine whether procedural or operational failures contributed to the outcome.
• Rees reportedly felt unwell and left the hiking group to return alone, and the ship departed near sunset with her absence noticed hours later, according to family and witness accounts.
• Night searches with a helicopter and on-foot teams paused around 3 a.m. and resumed at dawn when her body was located, while the operator said it contacted the family and is cooperating with authorities.