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
Pope Leo calls for Christians to treat foreigners with kindness as he closes Catholic Holy Year

Pope Leo Urges Compassion for Foreigners in Closing Message of Catholic Holy Year

Pope Leo XIV concluded the Catholic Church’s Holy Year on Tuesday with…
'Ding-dong ditch' prank erupts in gunfire, leaving juvenile shot and homeowner under arrest: police

Juvenile Injured and Homeowner Arrested After Prank Turns Violent

A man from North Carolina has been jailed on serious felony charges…
Notorious 'Torso Killer' confesses to another killing

Infamous ‘Torso Killer’ Admits to Additional Murder, Unveiling Decades-Old Mystery

The Fair Lawn Police Department revealed on Tuesday the resolution of the…
Giants have dinner with Kevin Stefanski ahead of head coach interview

New York Giants Dine with Kevin Stefanski Before Crucial Head Coach Interview

Kevin Stefanski had a notable dinner engagement that left a lasting impression.…
Maduro arrest sends 'clear message' to drug cartels, allies and US rivals, retired admiral says

Maduro’s Arrest: A Bold Warning to Drug Cartels and Global Rivals, Expert Analyzes Impact

The recent arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro is poised to leave…
Police, Secret Service investigating at Vice President JD Vance's Cincinnati home hours after he left

Suspect Arrested for Vandalizing VP JD Vance’s Ohio Residence: Legal Proceedings Underway

Federal authorities reported that a man was apprehended by Secret Service agents…
Jan. 6 riot: Illinois leaders speak out on 5th anniversary of January 6, 2021 insurrection US Capitol attack after 2020 election

Illinois Leaders Reflect on Democracy’s Resilience on 5th Anniversary of January 6 Capitol Riot

CHICAGO (WLS) — This Tuesday marks the fifth anniversary of the significant…
Chicago teacher disappears, husband pleads for help finding her

Chicago Educator Vanishes, Husband Urges Public Assistance in Search Efforts

In an unsettling turn of events, a Chicago special education teacher has…
Missing South Carolina teen Mackenzie Dalton found safe after monthlong search leads to arrest

Missing South Carolina Teen Mackenzie Dalton Safely Recovered After Monthlong Search Ends in Arrest

A teenager from South Carolina, who had been missing since late last…
Father arrested on drug, weapons charges as 4-year-old son found dead after New Year's disappearance

Father Faces Drug and Weapons Charges Following Tragic Discovery of Missing 4-Year-Old Son

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: In a tragic turn of events, the father of…
ICE agents involved in Minneapolis shooting during 'largest immigration operation ever'

Massive Immigration Operation in Minneapolis: ICE Agents Linked to Shooting Incident

According to on-site journalists, over a hundred federal agents swiftly converged on…
Backlash erupts after city council appoints police review board member with murder conviction

Controversy Sparks Over City Council’s Choice for Police Review Board: Convicted Murderer Appointed

A contentious decision to appoint a convicted murderer to an Oregon city’s…