A tragic incident unfolded as an 80-year-old grandmother, Suzanne Rees, was discovered deceased on a secluded island after being unintentionally left behind by a cruise ship during her vacation. The unfortunate discovery occurred when Ms. Rees failed to show up for dinner, prompting concerns after she had gone missing for approximately five hours on Lizard Island in Queensland, Australia.
While participating in an organized hiking activity on the island, Ms. Rees fell ill and was left unattended as the cruise ship, Coral Adventurer, departed for its next destination. The cruise, priced at £40,000 per person for a prolonged journey around Australia, is operated by Coral Expeditions, a company under the ownership of the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) in Australia.
The family of Ms. Rees has criticized Coral Expeditions for what they perceive as a lack of proper care and judgment in the handling of the situation. An extensive investigation involving multiple agencies is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged abandonment of the Australian tourist, who was known for her passion for bushwalking and gardening.
Numerous unanswered questions persist regarding the timeline of events leading to Ms. Rees’ unfortunate demise, including the delay in noticing her absence by the ship’s crew. According to Katherine Rees, her mother became unwell during a guided hike on Lizard Island, although specific details about her condition remain undisclosed.
Ms. Rees’ lifeless body was discovered 50 meters off a hiking trail leading to Cook’s Look, the highest peak on Lizard Island. The Coral Adventurer had only departed Cairns for the expedition two days prior to the incident.
Lizard Island, renowned for its appeal to divers, snorkelers, and hikers, is a secluded gem within the Great Barrier Reef. Cook’s Look, named after Captain James Cook, the first European to ascend the mountain in 1770, offers a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience spanning four kilometers.
Following her illness, Suzanne Rees was reportedly instructed to descend the mountain unaccompanied before the ship’s departure. The family expressed shock and sorrow over the alleged abandonment of their grandmother, emphasizing the perceived failure in providing adequate care and attention.
Accounts from individuals aboard a nearby vessel anchored near Lizard Island suggest that the cruise ship may have omitted passenger counts before leaving the island. Coral Expeditions’ CEO, Mark Fifield, conveyed condolences to the Rees family and assured full cooperation with official investigations to ascertain the facts surrounding the tragic incident. The company refrained from further commentary during the ongoing investigations, offering continued support to the grieving family during this challenging period.