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Coral Expeditions Cancels Cruise After 80-Year-Old Passenger Found Dead on Lizard Island

Authorities are examining possible failures in passenger accounting procedures following the ship’s departure from Lizard Island.

Overview

  • Coral Expeditions told guests the voyage was called off after the passenger’s death and earlier mechanical issues, offering full refunds and arranging return flights.
  • AMSA issued a notice to the ship’s master prohibiting new embarkations and plans onboard inquiries when the Coral Adventurer docks in Darwin on Sunday.
  • Queensland Police said the death is being treated as sudden and non-suspicious and have referred the case to the coroner.
  • The woman, identified by family as Suzanne Rees, was separated during a hot, guided hike; she did not reboard, was reported missing hours later, and was found dead the next day.
  • Rees’s daughter alleges the vessel left without a passenger count, while Coral Expeditions expressed condolences and said it is cooperating with maritime, police and workplace safety investigations.