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
Rep. Swalwell Vows To Strip ICE Agents of Driver's Licenses

Rep. Swalwell Proposes Revoking Driver’s Licenses for ICE Agents

California Representative Eric Swalwell has made a bold promise regarding the future…
What time is Bears vs Rams game today? Chicago hosts LA as temps plummet for subfreezing weather at Soldier Field for NFL playoffs

Frigid Showdown: Bears vs Rams Playoff Clash in Subzero Soldier Field Conditions – Game Time Inside!

Chicago is buzzing with anticipation as devoted fans gear up to brave…
US troops pull out of major Iraq airbase amid ongoing regional consolidation effort, progress against ISIS

US Troops Withdraw from Key Iraq Airbase in Strategic Shift Against ISIS and Regional Stabilization

Fox News has confirmed that U.S. military forces have withdrawn from Ain…
A GIF of a python slithering through the grass

Woman Discovers 8-Foot Python Coiled on Her Chest During Sleep: ‘Remain Still

“Oh dear. Stay still. There’s a 2.5-meter python on you.” In a…
Dozens of dogs killed in fire at home of ‘breeder’ in Washington state, firefighters rescue 3 from flames

Tragic Blaze Claims Dozens of Dogs at Washington Breeder’s Home: Firefighters Save Three

In a tragic incident in Washington State, around 40 dogs lost their…
Skokie fire: Family with newborn baby displaced after house fire on North Kostner Avenue in Skokie, Mohammed Fayyaz says

Skokie Fire Displaces Family with Newborn on North Kostner Avenue, Reports Mohammed Fayyaz

A devastating house fire has left a family, including a newborn, without…
Florida snow 2026: Here are photos, videos capturing snowfall across the panhandle

Historic 2026 Florida Snowfall: Stunning Photos & Videos Capture Unprecedented Panhandle Winter Wonderland

Take a glimpse at the captivating photos and videos capturing the snowfall…
Argentina's bungled hunt for Hitler's right-hand man Martin Bormann revealed in declassified files

Unveiled Secrets: Argentina’s Failed Pursuit of Nazi Mastermind Martin Bormann in Declassified Files

EXCLUSIVE FROM FOX: A series of documents unveiled by Argentine President Javier…
FBI Most Wanted fugitive captured in Mexico after 10 years on run

Fugitive on FBI’s Most Wanted List Nabbed in Mexico After Decade-Long Escape

After nearly a decade on the run, one of the FBI’s Most…
Dozens of Westside families receive free groceries amid rising food costs

Westside Families Benefit from Free Groceries as Food Prices Climb

On Saturday, families in Jacksonville found much-needed relief as Tamika’s School of…
Professors were disciplined for vulgar posts after Charlie Kirk's assassination: where are they now?

Discover the Current Status of Professors Disciplined for Controversial Posts Following Charlie Kirk Incident

In the wake of the shocking assassination of conservative figurehead Charlie Kirk,…
‘Long Island Lolita’ survivor Mary Jo Buttafuoco says bullet in her head ‘will get me eventually’

Mary Jo Buttafuoco Opens Up About Living with a Bullet Fragment: ‘It’s a Matter of Time

Mary Jo Buttafuoco became the focus of a shocking crime when she…