The daughter of a woman who tragically passed away on a tropical island following a cruise ship’s departure without her has opened up about her sorrow.
Suzanne Rees, aged 80, was found deceased on Lizard Island after disembarking the Coral Adventurer during a 60-day luxury cruise. The cruise ship left the island without Ms. Rees, who was a solo traveler. She was later discovered dead in a remote area after a search was conducted several hours post the ship’s departure.
Reports indicate that Ms. Rees had gone for a hike on the island and sustained serious injuries from a fall on Saturday. An investigation is now ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding her failure to reboard the ship, including allegations that a passenger count was not conducted prior to departure.
Katherine Rees, the daughter of Ms. Rees, has voiced support for the investigation, criticizing the cruise company Coral Expeditions for what she describes as a lack of care and sensibility. She expressed shock and sadness over the ship leaving Lizard Island without her mother after an organized excursion.
Katherine hopes that a coroner’s inquiry will shed light on the actions that could have potentially saved her mother’s life. The crew of a search helicopter located Ms. Rees’ body the following day near a hiking trail on the island, where she appeared to have fallen from a cliff or slope.
Authorities have stated that a coroner will investigate the incident as a “non-suspicious death,” with the cruise company cooperating fully with official inquiries. The company has extended condolences to the Rees family and emphasized its ongoing support during this challenging time.
Investigations are also being carried out by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and a workplace safety watchdog to determine why Ms. Rees may not have been properly monitored during the boarding process at Lizard Island.