Coral Adventurer Cruise Cancelled After Tragic Passenger Fatality on Lizard Island

Coral Expeditions has abruptly canceled the 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 embarked from Cairns on October 24th, just two days before the incident.

In preliminary reports, it is noted that Ms. Rees participated in a guided hiking excursion but chose to rest apart from her group. When the ship departed without her, crew members realized her absence hours later and returned to search for her. A coordinated operation involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Queensland Police led to the discovery of her body the following day.

Coral Expeditions’ chief executive, Mark Fifield, announced the cancellation of the remaining voyage to passengers, citing both the fatality and mechanical issues as reasons. He assured that all guests would receive full refunds and arrangements were in progress for their return to the mainland via chartered aircraft.

AMSA has since issued a notice preventing Coral Adventurer from taking on new passengers until the conclusion of the investigations. Officials will inspect the vessel upon its return to Cairns, and the state coroner will examine the circumstances of Ms. Rees’s death.

Katherine Rees, Ms. Rees’s daughter, expressed profound distress over the events, suggesting a lack of adequate safety measures may have played a role in her mother’s death. She revealed that her mother, an active and experienced 80-year-old bushwalker, was told to make her way back to the trail’s base alone due to feeling unwell. It was reported that the ship left without performing a complete passenger count.

Coral Expeditions has confirmed its full cooperation with Queensland authorities, with Mr. Fifield expressing condolences to the family and affirming the operator’s commitment to assisting in the investigation.

The Coral Adventurer can accommodate up to 120 guests with a crew of 46. Known for its remote coastal operations, the vessel uses tender boats for excursions in isolated areas.

Industry analysts consider this incident atypical in cruise operations, which usually adhere to strict protocols and electronic monitoring to ensure passenger safety.

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