Australian Woman Separated from Group During Hike
Cruise Ship Departs Without Confirming All Passengers On Board
An 80-year-old Australian woman traveling on a cruise died after being left alone on an island, unable to reboard the ship.
According to reports from the BBC and The Guardian on October 29 (local time), the cruise passenger, identified as A, was found dead on Lizard Island, located 250 kilometers north of Cairns, Australia, on October 26. The previous day, A had joined other passengers from the luxury Australian cruise ship "Coral Adventurer" for a hiking excursion on Lizard Island, but became separated from the group and was unable to reboard the ship. She had participated in a group hike to the island’s highest peak, Cooks Look, but fell behind due to feeling unwell in the heat. A reportedly said, "I will go down alone," but did not return to the cruise ship.
The problem was that the cruise ship left the island without A on board. The ship departed the island around sunset, but it was several hours before the crew realized A was missing. The ship then returned to the island and launched a large-scale search, but A was found dead the next day in a remote area of the island. Lizard Island, located off the northern coast of Queensland, Australia, north of Cairns, is a popular destination for hiking and snorkeling, known for its clear waters and isolated natural environment. The island is also known for its high daytime temperatures, which pose significant risks of dehydration and heatstroke during midday hours.
Cruise Ship Left Island Unaware of Missing Passenger
Police stated that while A's death was sudden, there were no suspicious circumstances. The exact cause of death will be determined following an autopsy. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is conducting an investigation and announced plans to question the cruise crew later this week. An AMSA spokesperson said, "We first received a missing person report from the cruise captain at around 9 p.m. on the 25th," adding, "We will investigate this incident in cooperation with relevant agencies." Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, the cruise operator, expressed deep regret over the incident and stated, "We are working closely with Queensland Police and authorities to support the investigation."
However, the bereaved family has pointed out a lack of "care and common sense" and is requesting a coroner's inquest. A's daughter said, "My mother was a passionate traveler who loved to travel all her life, but this itinerary was not suitable for an 80-year-old," adding, "I cannot understand why neither a guide nor a crew member accompanied my mother." She called for an official investigation and accountability regarding the incident.
The Coral Adventurer can accommodate up to 120 passengers and 46 crew members. It is specially designed to access remote coastal areas of Australia and is equipped with small boats to send passengers on daily excursions. The ship was on a 60-day long-distance voyage around Australia, with Lizard Island as one of its early stops. The cruise, which promotes itself as a "nature experience luxury cruise," is known to attract mostly older passengers.
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