An 80-year-old grandmother, Suzanne Rees, was tragically discovered deceased on a secluded island after she was inadvertently left behind by a cruise ship during her vacation. The incident occurred on Lizard Island, located in the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.
Ms. Rees was reported missing when she did not show up for dinner, approximately five hours after she disappeared while on an organized hike on the island. The cruise ship, Coral Adventurer, had departed to its next destination, leaving the solo tourist behind as she fell ill during the hike.
Family members of Ms. Rees criticized Coral Expeditions, operated by National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) in Australia, for what they perceived as a lack of care and common sense in the handling of the situation. An investigation involving multiple agencies will delve into the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the Australian native, described as an avid bushwalker and gardener.
Many questions remain unanswered regarding the timeline of events leading to Ms. Rees’ death, particularly the delay in noticing her absence by the ship’s crew. According to Katherine Rees, her mother became unwell during the hike on Lizard Island, but specific details about her condition are unknown.
Ms. Rees’s body was found 50 meters off the hiking trail leading to Cook’s Look, the highest summit on Lizard Island, shortly after the Coral Adventurer had set sail from Cairns. Lizard Island, renowned for its appeal to divers, snorkelers, and hikers, is a secluded spot within the Great Barrier Reef.
Cook’s Look, named after Captain James Cook, who reportedly ascended the mountain in 1770, offers a challenging four-kilometer hike with steep sections requiring moderate to high fitness levels. Following Ms. Rees falling ill, she was allegedly instructed to descend the mountain unaccompanied.
Concerns were raised about the ship’s departure without a comprehensive passenger count, with witness reports suggesting a swift exit from the island. The Mirror has reached out to Coral Expeditions for their response to the incident.
