Overview
- Suzanne Rees, 80, became separated from a shore-hike group on Oct. 25 and did not reboard the Coral Adventurer before it departed Lizard Island.
- The ship returned hours later after realizing she was missing, and rescue teams found her body on the island the next morning, police said.
- Queensland Police described the death as sudden and non-suspicious, with the coroner to determine the cause and timing, which remain unconfirmed.
- The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is investigating passenger accounting and will conduct further inquiries and crew interviews once the vessel reaches Darwin.
- Coral Expeditions says it is cooperating and supporting the family, while the victim’s daughter alleges a failure of care, including claims she was told to return unescorted and that no headcount was done.