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
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker arrested on gun possession charge at LaGuardia Airport in New York City

Green Bay Packers’ Rasheed Walker Arrested for Gun Possession at NYC’s LaGuardia Airport: Details Inside

NEW YORK — Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker found himself…
Hyperemesis & Pro-Life Revelation - National File

Exploring the Impact of Hyperemesis on Pro-Life Perspectives

For countless women who endure Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the most acute form of…
Marvel's 'Wonder Man' looks at an actor trying to get cast as a superhero

Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’: An Inside Look at the Actor’s Quest to Become a Superhero Sensation

Marvel Television is back with an exciting new superhero narrative. The show,…
Shirtless Florida man who jumped through Taco Bell window, robbed it with 'large rock' sentenced to 4 years

Shirtless Florida Man’s Bizarre Taco Bell Heist Lands Him 4-Year Sentence

A man in Florida has been sentenced to four months in prison…
Gunfire, arson and vandalism: Tracking political violence in America

Escalating Political Violence in America: Analyzing the Surge in Gunfire, Arson, and Vandalism

Over the past three years, the American political landscape has been marred…
Andrew Garay, US Army veteran and dad killed in Humboldt Park, Chicago shooting, remembered as selfless, hardworking

Honoring Andrew Garay: Selfless Army Veteran and Devoted Father Tragically Killed in Humboldt Park Shooting

A tragic shooting on Chicago’s Northwest Side has left a family mourning…
Emotional Natalie Portman praises challenge to ‘horrific moment’ amid Minneapolis killings

Natalie Portman Speaks Out: Confronting the Tragedy of Minneapolis Killings with Emotional Resolve

Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman was visibly emotional at the Sundance Film Festival…
Feds charge 87 individuals in massive ATM 'jackpotting' operation linked to Tren de Aragua gang

Feds Unravel Major ATM ‘Jackpotting’ Scheme: 87 Arrested Tied to Tren de Aragua Gang

Authorities have charged at least 87 people linked to the Venezuelan group…
Mysterious dark matter may be better understood through a new map of far-off galaxies

New Galactic Map Offers Insights into the Enigmatic Nature of Dark Matter

Dark matter remains elusive because it neither emits nor absorbs light, rendering…
Rams’ 2025 season ends in NFC Championship heartbreak

Rams’ 2025 NFC Championship Defeat: A Heartbreaking Season Finale

Kobie Turner stood at his locker with a sense of pride and…
Chicago man Pierre Davis charged after allegedly shooting woman, at CPD on South Ingleside Avenue in Grand Crossing

Chicago Resident Pierre Davis Charged in Alleged Shooting Incident Involving Woman at CPD Office on South Ingleside Avenue in Grand Crossing

A Chicago man, 28-year-old Pierre Davis, is facing a series of serious…
USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier Strike Group makes move amid threat from Iran

USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Mobilizes: Strategic Response to Heightened Iranian Threat

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has…