After being deserted by a Cruise Ship, an Octogenarian dies alone on Remote Island.

Nov 2025 : An Octogenarian (80 Years old woman) died alone on the Great Barrier Reef Island after the cruise ship she was travelling, had left without her, but returned later to discover that she has already passed away.

Suzanne Rees was on a 60 Days Luxury Cruise around Australia when she and some other passengers disembarked on the Great Barrier Reef over the weekend. Suzanne Rees had gone on a hiking on the Lizard Island, 250 km north of Cairns.

As per reports, it was a hot day, and the woman had broken off from the group to rest for some time, and the cruise ship, Coral Adventurer, departed without her. The ship left around sunset and returned many hours later after they realised that the woman was missing. An immediate search operation was launched which, had culminated with the discovery of her body near the trail on Sunday morning.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) stated that it was investigating the tragic incident and would talk to the ship’s crew later this week.

Industry experts while asserting their anguish have reiterated that incidents like these are rare since cruise ships have systems to record which passengers are embarking or disembarking. Sneaking ashore or back onboard just is not an option. Cruise lines take these processes seriously and have tech to prevent such incidents from happening.

Traci Ayris, who was sailing close to the island last weekend, told the media that she saw a helicopter searching a walking trail on the island at around midnight on Saturday. However, the search party returned after her body was found.

AMSA said that it would work with other agencies to investigate the case and that it takes the safety of passengers and crew on commercial ships very seriously.

The woman’s daughter, Katherine, said that the entire family is sad and shocked, and from the little they have been told, they realise that there was a ‘failure of care and common sense’.

Coral Expeditions Chief Executive Mark Fifield said that the staff had contacted the woman’s family and were offering support over the “tragic death”. He added that they were cooperating and working with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation.

The Coral Adventurer accommodates up to 120 guests and has a crew of 46. It was built for remote areas of Australia’s coast and has tenders to take guests on day excursions. The ship has continued its journey to Darwin.

Team Maverick.