Australian authorities are investigating the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef. The woman was hiking with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship when she reportedly separated from the group to rest. The ship departed around sunset but returned hours later upon realizing she was missing. A search operation was launched, leading to the discovery of her body the following morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is conducting an investigation and plans to meet with the ship’s crew when it arrives in Darwin later this week. AMSA was first alerted about the missing woman by the ship’s captain around 9 PM local time on Saturday. The agency stressed its commitment to passenger safety and will collaborate with other relevant organizations during the inquiry.
Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, expressed condolences to the woman’s family and offered support following the “tragic death.” The woman had joined a group hike to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest peak, before deciding to rest. Witnesses reported seeing a helicopter searching the area, and a group of searchers was dispatched but called off the search early Sunday morning.
Queensland police confirmed they would prepare a report for the coroner regarding the woman’s sudden and non-suspicious death. This incident occurred during the first stop of her 60-day cruise around Australia, highlighting the risks associated with adventure travel in remote areas.
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