An 80-year-old Australian woman was discovered deceased on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after being inadvertently left behind by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship. The woman had been hiking with fellow passengers on Saturday when she reportedly separated from the group to rest. After the ship departed at sunset, the crew returned hours later upon realizing she was missing, leading to a search operation that ultimately found her body the following morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is investigating the incident and plans to meet with the ship’s crew later this week. The unidentified woman was on the first leg of a 60-day cruise around Australia, which cost tens of thousands of dollars. She had joined a hike to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest point, but did not return to the ship in time.
Cruise experts noted that while such incidents are rare, cruise lines have strict procedures to track passengers. Harriet Mallinson, a cruise editor, emphasized that the technology in place is designed to prevent such occurrences, calling this event a tragic anomaly. The Queensland police will prepare a report on the woman’s “sudden and non-suspicious death” for the coroner.
Coral Expeditions’ CEO expressed condolences, stating that the company is supporting the woman’s family during this difficult time. The cruise ship, which accommodates up to 120 guests and is equipped for remote excursions, has continued its journey to Darwin.
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