Australian authorities have launched an investigation following the tragic death of an 80-year-old woman who was found deceased after being left behind on an island during a cruise. The incident occurred on Lizard Island, located approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Cairns, while the woman was participating in a hike with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship.
Reports suggest that the woman had separated from her group to take a rest, and the ship departed around sunset without realizing she was missing. Once the crew became aware of her absence, they returned to the island several hours later, initiating a major search operation that ultimately led to the discovery of her body on Sunday morning.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently conducting an investigation and intends to meet with the ship’s crew when it arrives in Darwin later this week. AMSA officials confirmed they were notified about the missing passenger around 9:00 PM local time on Saturday by the ship’s captain. The authority emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members aboard commercial vessels.
Mark Fifield, the chief executive of Coral Expeditions, expressed sorrow over the woman’s death, stating the company is providing support to her family during this difficult time. The woman, who is believed to have joined a hiking group heading to Cook’s Look, the highest peak on Lizard Island, was on the first leg of a substantial 60-day cruise around Australia.
Witness accounts, including that of Traci Ayris, who was sailing near the island during the incident, reveal a significant search effort. She observed a helicopter using a spotlight to look for the woman along the walking trails around midnight on Saturday. However, search efforts were halted around 3:00 AM, with the helicopter returning the next morning when the woman’s body was located.
This incident serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during excursions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. While this event is undeniably tragic, it presents an opportunity for the cruise industry to reinforce safety measures, ensuring better communication and accountability to prevent similar occurrences in the future.