An 80-year-old Australian woman has been found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after she was accidentally left behind by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship she was travelling on.
The woman, who has not been publicly identified, was hiking with fellow passengers to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest peak, on Saturday. She reportedly separated from the group to take a rest and never returned. The cruise ship departed the island around sunset but turned back several hours later after the crew realised she was missing.
A large-scale search operation involving helicopters and rescue teams was launched that night. Her body was discovered on Sunday morning, according to authorities.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed it was investigating the incident and would meet with the ship’s crew this week. The woman was on the first stop of a 60-day luxury cruise around Australia, with tickets costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Witnesses said helicopters were seen using spotlights to search the island late into the night. “We knew she was dead because they called everyone back from the search immediately,” said Traci Ayris, a nearby sailor who spoke to ABC.
Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield expressed condolences, saying the company was “deeply sorry” and working closely with authorities. “We are offering our full support to the woman’s family and assisting Queensland Police with their investigation,” he said.
Police have described the case as a “sudden and non-suspicious death”, and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Coral Adventurer, which carries up to 120 guests and 46 crew, has since resumed its voyage to Darwin.
