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Cruise Line Probed After 80-Year-Old Left on Lizard Island Found Dead

Regulators are examining passenger head-count and excursion protocols following family allegations of serious failings by Coral Expeditions.

Overview

  • Queensland Police said the death was sudden and non-suspicious after the woman's body was found the morning after the excursion.
  • The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Queensland authorities have opened investigations into how the ship departed without the passenger and whether procedures were breached.
  • Preliminary accounts indicate the woman separated from a group hike at Cook's Look to rest, and the vessel later turned back when crew realized she was missing.
  • The family identified the victim as Suzanne Rees and alleges the company failed to properly account for passengers, while Coral Expeditions expressed sorrow and said it is supporting the family.
  • The Coral Adventurer had left Cairns on October 24 for a 60-day voyage and is a small expedition ship carrying about 120 passengers with 46 crew.