An elderly woman was tragically discovered deceased on a secluded island after she missed her cruise ship’s departure, sparking a police and coroner investigation. The 80-year-old solo traveler passed away during the initial stop of a 60-day journey circling Australia, prompting authorities to delve into the circumstances leading to her stranding on the remote Far North Queensland island.
Officials are now probing whether prompt action could have saved the woman, who held a pricey ticket for the cruise. Her absence went unnoticed until Saturday, well past the scheduled re-boarding time. The vessel had set sail from Cairns on a Friday, reaching Lizard Island off the Queensland coast the following day, where it is believed the woman ventured out hiking the island’s summit.
Reports suggest that the woman had joined a group ascending Cook’s Look summit but veered off track and was left behind when the group re-boarded the ship. Concerns about safety procedures arose from eyewitness accounts, with a yachtie mentioning the lack of headcounts for island guests by the cruise operator. Emergency response efforts were triggered after she was reported missing on Saturday night, with a helicopter eventually locating her remains after an extensive search.
Coral Expeditions, the cruise company, confirmed the woman’s passing and highlighted their cooperation with authorities throughout the search and rescue operation. Following the recovery of her body on Lizard Island, the organization extended condolences to her family and remained in contact with Queensland Police regarding the incident.