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
Trump administration launching new private health data tracking system

President Trump Honors Fallen National Guard Hero with Half-Staff Flag Tribute Following D.C. Attack

Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia Army National Guard,…
Trump Formalizes Historic Peace Agreement Between Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Rwanda

Trump Secures Groundbreaking Peace Accord: Uniting Congo and Rwanda for Lasting Stability

WASHINGTON—In a landmark moment, President Donald Trump, alongside Felix Tshisekedi of the…
NJ mayor charged with child endangerment after caught driving while drunk

NJ Mayor Arrested for Drunk Driving and Child Endangerment

A New Jersey mayor, whose reckless actions earlier this year shocked her…
Opponents of Maine campus pro-life group invoke Charlie Kirk in social media threat : 'gotta be careful'

Maine Campus Pro-Life Group Faces Social Media Threats Citing Charlie Kirk: ‘Gotta Be Careful

A group of students at the University of Southern Maine (USM), who…
Anti-fentanyl mission: How Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago division combats deadly drugs from flooding streets

Inside the DEA’s Chicago Battle: Stopping Fentanyl’s Deadly Flow with Innovative Tactics

The drug landscape in Chicago is in a constant state of flux,…
Denying religious freedom at Park East Synagogue

Religious Freedom Contested at Park East Synagogue

Amid rising tensions, synagogues have become the latest focal point for anti-Israel…
Avli Winnetka shares spicy Greek feta dip recipe on Cooking up a Storm

Discover Avli Winnetka’s Flavorful Greek Feta Dip Recipe on Cooking up a Storm!

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tracy Butler, a meteorologist from ABC7 Chicago, teamed up…
Cheerleader’s cruise ship death unravels amid bitter family strife and questions at sea

Investigators’ Silence in Carnival Cruise Ship Death Possibly Linked to Family Dynamics, Legal Expert Suggests

The investigation into the tragic demise of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has reached…
'Quite uncomfortable': New community task force pushes for upgrades to the Mathews Bridge

Community Task Force Demands Urgent Upgrades for Mathews Bridge Amidst Growing Safety Concerns

A Jacksonville historian has initiated a grassroots movement advocating for safety enhancements…
Chicago crash: Family of Ruben Lujano demanding answers after 3 killed, 5 injured in I-57 crashes on South Side

Seeking Justice: Lujano Family Urges Investigation After Fatal I-57 Crash in Chicago Claims 3 Lives, Injures 5

A grieving family is speaking out following a tragic incident on Chicago’s…
Marine killed during tactical vehicle training exercise at California military base

Marine Fatally Injured in Tactical Vehicle Training Exercise at California Military Base

On Wednesday, military authorities reported the tragic death of a U.S. Marine…
Jets QB Tyrod Taylor is staying in the moment, not thinking about the future

Jets QB Tyrod Taylor Focuses on Present, Keeps Future Plans on Hold

As an NFL veteran of 15 years, contemplating life beyond the gridiron…