Australian authorities are investigating after an 80-year-old woman who was left behind on a Great Barrier Reef island by a cruise ship was found dead. The woman had been hiking on Lizard Island, 250 km (155 miles) north of Cairns, with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship on Saturday but is believed to have broken off from the group to have a rest. The ship left the island around sunset but returned several hours later after the crew realized the woman was missing. A major search operation found the woman's body on Sunday morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it is investigating and will meet the ship's crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. A spokesperson for AMSA stated that the authority received the first alert about the missing woman at around 21:00 local time on Saturday (05:00 GMT on Friday) from the ship's captain. They emphasized the importance of passenger safety and confirmed they would collaborate with relevant agencies during the investigation.
Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stated that staff had contacted the woman's family to offer support. Reportedly, the woman had joined a group hike to the island's peak, Cook's Look, before deciding to rest. Eyewitness Traci Ayris recounted seeing a helicopter search the island trails late Saturday night, indicating the severity of the situation.
The Queensland police have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the woman’s sudden death in a non-suspicious manner. This tragic event marks a somber beginning to the woman's highly anticipated 60-day cruise around Australia.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it is investigating and will meet the ship's crew when it docks in Darwin later this week. A spokesperson for AMSA stated that the authority received the first alert about the missing woman at around 21:00 local time on Saturday (05:00 GMT on Friday) from the ship's captain. They emphasized the importance of passenger safety and confirmed they would collaborate with relevant agencies during the investigation.
Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stated that staff had contacted the woman's family to offer support. Reportedly, the woman had joined a group hike to the island's peak, Cook's Look, before deciding to rest. Eyewitness Traci Ayris recounted seeing a helicopter search the island trails late Saturday night, indicating the severity of the situation.
The Queensland police have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner regarding the woman’s sudden death in a non-suspicious manner. This tragic event marks a somber beginning to the woman's highly anticipated 60-day cruise around Australia.
