Source: BBC

DST News: Australian authorities are investigating the death of an 80-year-old woman who was left behind on Lizard Island, part of the Great Barrier Reef, after a cruise ship departed without her.

The woman had been hiking with other passengers from the Coral Adventurer, a luxury cruise ship, on Saturday, when she reportedly separated from the group to rest during the trek. Lizard Island lies about 250 kilometres (155 miles) north of Cairns.

According to officials, the ship departed the island around sunset, but returned several hours later when the crew realised the woman was missing. A large-scale search was launched that night, and her body was discovered the following morning.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed it was notified around 9 p.m. local time and is now conducting a formal investigation. The agency plans to meet the ship’s crew in Darwin later this week and said it is working closely with other authorities to determine how the tragedy occurred.

Coral Expeditions, which operates the Coral Adventurer, expressed deep regret over the incident. Chief Executive Mark Fifield said staff had contacted the woman’s family and were offering full support. “We are deeply sorry that this has happened and are assisting the family during this tragic time,” he said.

Reports from the Courier Mail suggest the woman had joined a group hiking trip to Cook’s Look, the island’s highest peak, before deciding to stay behind to rest.

Eyewitness Traci Ayris, who was sailing nearby, told the ABC that she saw a helicopter searching the island with spotlights late Saturday night. “Around seven people went ashore with torches, but the search stopped around 3 a.m.,” she said. “When the helicopter returned Sunday morning, we knew something terrible had happened.”

Ayris added that the event left both passengers and crew deeply shaken. “It was heartbreaking — such a beautiful place, and such a sad outcome for what should have been a joyful trip,” she said.

The woman was reportedly on the first leg of a 60-day cruise around Australia, a luxury voyage costing tens of thousands of dollars per ticket. The Coral Adventurer accommodates up to 120 guests and 46 crew and is designed for exploring remote coastal destinations.

Queensland Police said a report will be prepared for the coroner, describing the case as a “sudden and non-suspicious death.”