Coral Adventurer Cruise Canceled After Passenger Tragedy on Lizard Island

Coral Expeditions has cancelled a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia aboard the Coral Adventurer following the tragic death of passenger Suzanne Rees, who went missing on Lizard Island, Queensland. The cruise had set sail from Cairns on October 24th.

Reports indicate that Ms. Rees participated in a guided hiking excursion but became separated from the group after feeling unwell and decided to rest. When the ship departed later, crew members noticed her absence hours later and returned to the island. A search effort involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and local police led to the discovery of her body the next day.

In light of this incident, Coral Expeditions’ CEO, Mark Fifield, announced the cancellation of the remaining voyage, attributing the decision to both the fatality and existing mechanical issues aboard the ship. Passengers are set to receive full refunds and arrangements for their return via chartered aircraft are being made.

AMSA has since prohibited Coral Adventurer from taking on new passengers pending ongoing investigations. Officials will board the vessel once it returns to Cairns to conduct inquiries; the state coroner is also expected to review the specifics surrounding Ms. Rees’s death.

Katherine Rees, the victim’s daughter, expressed her family’s deep distress and raised concerns about potential lapses in safety protocols that might have led to the tragedy. She noted that her active 80-year-old mother had been advised to return alone after feeling unwell. It was claimed that the ship departed without a thorough passenger count.

Coral Expeditions has confirmed its full cooperation with the authorities, and Mr. Fifield expressed condolences to Ms. Rees’s family, affirming the company’s commitment to assist the investigation.

The Coral Adventurer is designed for remote coastal operations and can accommodate up to 120 guests with a crew of 46. The ship typically deploys tender boats for landings and excursions to isolated locations. The incident is being viewed as an unusual occurrence, as cruise operations usually have stringent safety protocols and electronic monitoring systems to prevent such situations.

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