Coral Expeditions has cancelled its 60-day circumnavigation of Australia aboard Coral Adventurer after the death of passenger Suzanne Rees, who was reported missing on Lizard Island, Queensland. The incident occurred two days into the voyage, which had departed Cairns on October 24th.
According to preliminary accounts, Ms. Rees had joined a guided hiking excursion on Lizard Island before separating from the group to rest. When the ship later departed without her, crew members discovered her absence several hours afterward and returned to the island. A coordinated search effort, led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Queensland Police, located her body the following day.
In a statement, Coral Expeditions’ chief executive, Mark Fifield, informed passengers on Wednesday that the remainder of the voyage would be cancelled due to the fatality and existing mechanical issues. He noted that all guests would receive full refunds and that arrangements were being made for their return to the mainland via chartered aircraft.
AMSA subsequently issued a notice prohibiting Coral Adventurer from embarking new passengers pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. Officials are scheduled to board the vessel upon its return to Cairns to conduct further inquiries. The state coroner is also expected to review the circumstances surrounding Ms. Rees’s death.
Ms. Rees’s daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed that her family was deeply distressed by the events, stating that they believed an absence of proper safeguards may have contributed to the tragedy. She indicated that her mother, an active 80-year-old and experienced bushwalker, had been instructed to return to the base of the trail alone after feeling unwell in high temperatures. The ship reportedly departed without conducting a full passenger count.
Coral Expeditions confirmed that it was cooperating fully with Queensland Police and other authorities. Mr. Fifield conveyed the company’s condolences to the family and reiterated that the operator was assisting with the investigation.
The Coral Adventurer, a small expedition vessel built for remote coastal operations, accommodates up to 120 guests with a crew of 46. The ship utilizes tender boats to facilitate landings and shore excursions in isolated regions.
Industry observers have characterized the incident as a rare occurrence. Cruise operations typically maintain strict embarkation and disembarkation protocols supported by electronic monitoring systems designed to prevent such situations. Maritime analysts noted that the case represents an exceptional lapse within an otherwise highly regulated operational environment.