Cruise Passenger Found Dead on Australian Island After Being Left Behind, Daughter Cites ‘Failure of Care’
Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia – the daughter of Suzanne Rees, a passenger who died after being left behind on Lizard Island following a cruise excursion, has publicly stated there was a “failure of care” by the cruise operator, Coral Expeditions. Rees, 74, was reported missing on October 25th after failing to board the Coral Adventurer vessel earlier that day, on Saturday, October 26th. Her body was subsequently found on the remote island.
The incident has triggered multiple investigations by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa), Queensland police, the state coroner, and WorkSafe Queensland, focusing on how Rees was not accounted for during boarding. The Coral Adventurer was conducting an excursion to lizard Island when the incident occurred. This case raises critical questions about passenger safety protocols and accountability within the cruise industry, especially on voyages to remote locations.
Amsa notified authorities of the incident at 9pm on Saturday, initiating a land and sea search. In a statement released Wednesday, Amsa said it is investigating why Rees may not have been accounted for during boarding and intends to board the ship upon its arrival in Darwin.
“Amsa will make an assessment as to whether there was any non-compliance associated with the passenger not being counted onto the ship and, if necessary, will take action to address them,” the safety authority said. “Amsa offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who has passed. Our thoughts are with them during this tough time.”
Coral Expeditions’ chief executive, Mark Fifield, earlier acknowledged the “tragic death of a passenger on the Coral Adventurer during an excursion to Lizard Island.” He stated a search and rescue operation was launched, and Coral Expeditions was later notified by Queensland police that Rees had been found deceased.
“While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family,” Fifield said.
Queensland police confirmed on Tuesday that Rees was reported missing after failing to board the vessel. Balcony rooms on the 120-guest Coral Adventurer are priced at $86,400 a person, according to a listing on Clean Cruising.
