Cruise ship allegedly leaves 80-year-old woman behind on island, daughter demands answers after death
Share this @internewscast.com

The daughter of an elderly woman who died after reportedly being left behind by her cruise ship is demanding a coronial inquiry into her mother’s death, describing the event as “a failure of care and common sense.”

Suzanne Rees was on a lavish 60-day cruise in Australia when she was discovered dead on Sunday, following reports of her disappearance the previous Saturday night.

Rees was last spotted during a group hike on Lizard Island, situated approximately 200 miles north of Cairns. She failed to return to the Coral Adventurer cruise ship, which had departed around 6 p.m. that Saturday.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a disturbance over the radio and observed the ship’s return to the island via a vessel tracking system.

Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Jan. 19, 2011: Cruise ship passengers travel to and from many of the cruise ships that anchor in Philipsburg for a daily excursion.

The demand for an investigation into the 80-year-old woman’s death on an Australian island comes from her daughter, who is seeking answers following the alleged abandonment.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the national body overseeing maritime safety, informed Fox News Digital that they were alerted by the cruise vessel at approximately 10 p.m. local time on Saturday, which led to AMSA launching a response effort.

An AMSA spokesperson said they assisted Queensland Police in the search, and are continuing to work closely with Queensland authorities, including Queensland Police and WorkSafe Queensland.

“AMSA will make an assessment as to whether there was any non-compliance associated with the passenger not being counted onto the ship and, if necessary, will take action to address them,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement. “AMSA intends to conduct inquiries on board the vessel when it arrives in Darwin. We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding why the passenger may not have been accounted for during boarding. AMSA offers its condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who has passed. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

Hikers on Lizard Island off the coast of Australia

Suzanne Rees was on a luxury 60-day cruise in Australia, when she was left behind on Lizard Island and later found dead, her daughter alleges. (Mark Conlin/VW PICS/UIG )

Rees’ daughter, Katherine, told ABC Australia “from the little we have been told, it seems that there was a failure of care and common sense.”

“We understand from the police that it was a very hot day, and Mum felt ill on the hill climb. She was asked to head down, unescorted,” Katherine told the outlet. “Then the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count.”

The family reportedly said they are hoping to learn if Rees’ death could have been prevented.

Lizard Island hikers at lookout

The daughter of an 80-year-old woman found dead after allegedly being abandoned by her cruise ship on Lizard Island in Australia is calling for an investigation into her death. ( Education Images/UIG )

The Coroner’s Court of Queensland on Wednesday confirmed to ABC Rees’ death was “referred to the coroner for investigation.”

Once the coroner’s investigation is complete, a decision will be made about launching an inquest into the death.

AMSA said details surrounding the timing of the vessel’s arrival and AMSA’s next steps are not available, as the investigation remains active.

“The Coral team have been in contact with the woman’s family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process,” Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield reportedly wrote in a statement. “While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family.”

The operation of the vessel is regulated under the Australian Navigation Act 2012 and relevant workplace laws, according to AMSA.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Los Angeles Deputies Heroically Dive into Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies heroically saved two paragliders from a…
Target Lady Has Last Laugh on AWFL Grinch Who Tried to Steal Christmas, Gets Roaring Welcome at TPUSA

Target Employee Triumphs Over AWFL Grinch: Heartwarming Comeback at TPUSA Event

At 72 years old, Jeanie Beeman, a Target employee, received a warm…
Dave Chappelle surprises fans with Netflix special after Joshua-Paul fight

Dave Chappelle Drops Unexpected Netflix Special Following Joshua-Paul Fight

Dave Chappelle is once again ready to deliver laughs to his audience.…
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
Ex-Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack arrested in Texas

Former Jaguars Linebacker Myles Jack Detained in Texas

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack faced arrest in Frisco, Texas, on…
CNN staffers are reportedly loathing a potential Paramount Skydance takeover -- but don't expect the Ellisons to kill the news agency

Why CNN Staffers Fear a Paramount Skydance Takeover: The Inside Scoop on the Ellison’s Impact

Within the corridors of CNN, there’s a palpable sense of relief as…
Blue Origin launch: Paraplegic engineer Michaela Benthaus becomes first wheelchair user to blast into space

Groundbreaking Space Journey: Paraplegic Engineer Michaela Benthaus Makes History as First Wheelchair User in Space

A remarkable journey unfolded on Saturday as Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer…
Boy, 15, and man, 38, slashed in Midtown Manhattan subway attacks 1 hour apart

Midtown Manhattan Subway Attacks: Teen and Adult Injured in Separate Incidents Within an Hour

In a troubling series of events on Saturday evening, two individuals fell…
City of Chicago budget vote: Rare Saturday Chicago City Council meeting to be held as Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes head tax

Chicago City Council Convenes Unusual Saturday Session for Crucial Budget Vote on Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Head Tax

As the holiday season approaches, Chicago’s city leaders find themselves in a…
Everything you need to know about Christmas, and how it has evolved into a global holiday

Unwrapping Christmas: The Fascinating Evolution of a Worldwide Celebration

Christmas, a holiday celebrated by Christians to honor the birth of Jesus…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Blue Origin Mission: First Wheelchair User Successfully Travels to Space and Returns

In a remarkable achievement for space travel and inclusivity, Blue Origin, led…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Winner Announced for Saturday’s $1.5 Billion Powerball Jackpot

WASHINGTON — Anticipation is building as the Powerball jackpot has soared to…