Australian authorities have initiated an investigation into the unfortunate death of an 80-year-old woman, who was discovered deceased after being inadvertently left behind on Lizard Island during a cruise. This tragic incident took place while the woman was participating in a hike with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship, situated approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Cairns.
According to reports, the woman separated from her group to take a rest, after which the ship departed as the sun was setting, unaware that she was missing. It was only when the crew realized her absence that they returned to the island hours later, launching a significant search operation that culminated in the discovery of her body on Sunday morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently leading the investigation, with plans to meet the crew of the Coral Adventurer when the ship docks in Darwin later this week. AMSA officials confirmed that they were alerted about the missing passenger around 9:00 PM local time on Saturday by the ship’s captain. The authority underscored its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew aboard commercial vessels.
Mark Fifield, chief executive of Coral Expeditions, expressed his condolences regarding the woman’s death, stating that the company is offering support to her family during this heartbreaking time. The woman was reportedly part of a hiking group aiming for Cook’s Look, which is the highest peak on Lizard Island, and she was on the first segment of a significant 60-day cruise around Australia.
Witness accounts, including those of Traci Ayris, who was sailing nearby during the incident, highlighted the extensive search efforts. Ayris noted seeing a helicopter using a spotlight to search for the woman along hiking trails around midnight on Saturday. However, the search was suspended around 3:00 AM, with the helicopter returning the following morning when the body was found.
This tragic incident serves as a solemn reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols during excursions, particularly for vulnerable populations. While this event is undeniably sad, it also offers a pivotal moment for the cruise industry to enhance safety measures and improve communication and accountability to help prevent similar situations in the future.