An 80-year-old woman was found dead on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after she was accidentally left behind by her cruise ship, Coral Adventurer. Suzanne Rees, a Sydney resident, had gone on a hiking excursion with other passengers when the ship departed without her.
Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed deep frustration, saying the cruise company failed to ensure her mother’s safety. On a particularly hot day, Suzanne had started feeling unwell during the hike. Although she was advised to return to the ship alone, it appears no one checked to confirm all passengers were on board before the ship set sail. Tragically, her body was discovered the next day, not far from the trail.
Rob Siganto, who was nearby, reported hearing a helicopter searching for someone, unaware it was for Suzanne. The authorities later confirmed that she likely fell from a cliff or steep area while descending.
The incident has triggered investigations by police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Katherine hopes that an inquiry will uncover how this tragedy could have been avoided. Coral Expeditions has stated that they are cooperating fully with these investigations and offered condolences to the Rees family.
Accidents like this are unusual on cruise ships, which typically have systems to track passenger movements. Harriet Mallinson, a cruise editor, noted that strict protocols are in place to prevent such events. In fact, this isn’t the first time an incident like this has raised concerns. In 1998, a couple was left behind during a scuba diving trip, leading to serious scrutiny of Australia’s safety standards in tourism.
Cruising is meant to be a relaxing experience, but safety must always come first. As investigations proceed, it is crucial for companies to learn from these incidents and ensure the well-being of their passengers.
For more information on cruise safety standards, you can check the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for official guidelines and protocols.
Source link
Death, Australia, Cruise Ship
