Elderly Woman Dies After Cruise Ship Left Her Behind On Deserted Island

An 80-year-old Australian woman was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after being left behind by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship. The woman, who has not been named, was on a 60-day cruise around Australia and had joined a group hike to Cook's Look, the island's highest peak, on Saturday (October 28). She reportedly separated from the group to rest and did not return to the ship before it departed at sunset.

The crew realized the woman was missing several hours later and returned to the island. A major search operation was launched, involving helicopters and search teams with torches. Her body was discovered on Sunday morning (October 29). The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) is investigating the incident and plans to meet with the ship's crew later this week.

The Coral Adventurer, which can accommodate up to 120 guests, continued its voyage to Darwin. The cruise line's CEO, Mark Fifield, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and stated that they are cooperating with authorities and offering support to the woman's family. Queensland police are preparing a report for the coroner, treating the death as sudden and non-suspicious.

Witnesses described the search efforts as distressing for both crew and passengers. The incident has raised questions about how the woman was left behind and whether earlier intervention could have prevented her death.