Suzanne Rees, 80, was discovered deceased on Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, on Sunday. She had been on a hiking excursion from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship the previous day, which subsequently departed the island. Her daughter has raised concerns regarding the circumstances leading to the cruise operator's departure without her mother.
Incident Details
The body of Suzanne Rees, 80, was located by rescue workers on Lizard Island on Sunday. The day prior, Ms. Rees had participated in a hike on the island with fellow passengers but was not onboard the Coral Adventurer when it departed hours later.
Cruise Information
Ms. Rees, from New South Wales, was on the initial stop of a 60-day cruise around Australia, which had commenced in Cairns. Passengers, who pay tens of thousands of dollars, were transported to Lizard Island for a day trip offering options for hiking or snorkelling.
Sequence of Events
According to Ms. Rees's daughter, Katherine Rees, her mother joined a group hike to Cook's Look, the island's highest peak. She reportedly separated from the group to rest due to feeling unwell on what police indicated was a very hot day. Katherine Rees stated that her mother was asked to descend the hill unescorted. The Coral Adventurer then departed, reportedly without a passenger count. Ms. Rees died at some point after this sequence.
Family's Statement and Concerns
Katherine Rees stated she was "shocked and saddened" by the ship's departure without her mother. She described her mother as healthy, active, a keen gardener, and a bushwalker. Ms. Rees's daughter accused the operator of "a failure of care and common sense" and expressed hope that a coronial inquiry would determine what actions the company could have taken.
Investigation
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has initiated an investigation into the death. AMSA plans to meet with the ship's crew upon its scheduled docking in Darwin later this week.