Australian authorities have launched an investigation following the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman who was inadvertently left behind on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, by a cruise ship. The incident occurred on Saturday when the woman, a passenger on the Coral Adventurer cruise ship, reportedly separated from her group during a hike to the island’s highest peak, Cook’s Look, to rest. The ship departed the island around sunset but returned hours later after realizing the woman was missing. A large-scale search operation ensued, and her body was discovered on Sunday morning. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has confirmed it is investigating the incident and will meet with the ship’s crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. AMSA was first alerted to the situation by the ship’s captain at approximately 21:00 local time on Saturday. Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield expressed deep sorrow over the incident and assured that the company is providing full support to the woman’s family. Witnesses reported seeing a helicopter and search teams scouring the island overnight, but the search was called off early Sunday morning when the woman’s body was found. The woman was on the first leg of a 60-day cruise around Australia, a journey costing tens of thousands of dollars. The Coral Adventurer, designed to access remote coastal areas, accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew members. Queensland police have stated that the death is considered sudden and non-suspicious, with a report to be prepared for the coroner.
Elderly woman left behind by cruise ship on Great Barrier Reef island found dead
