Passenger Left Behind, Found Dead on Lizard Island

Eighty-year-old Suzanne Rees was left behind during a Coral Expeditions stop at Lizard Island and was found dead the next morning about 50 metres from the main trail, authorities said. Her family say she fell ill on a hike, was asked to descend unescorted, and the ship departed without conducting a proper passenger count, with crew only reporting her missing about five hours later when she failed to attend dinner. Queensland police described the death as sudden and non‑suspicious, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Queensland police and the state coroner are investigating; satellite tracking and reports say the vessel initially sailed away before turning back. Coral Expeditions has cancelled the remainder of the 60‑day voyage, offered full refunds and chartered flights home, cited the “tragic passing” and prior mechanical issues, and said it is cooperating with authorities and supporting the family. AMSA has issued a notice prohibiting new passengers from boarding the vessel and said it will attend when it returns to Cairns, and the family has called for a coronial inquiry.