An 80-year-old woman from New South Wales, Suzanne Rees, was found dead on Lizard Island after reportedly being left behind by a commercial cruise ship. The tragedy occurred during the first stop of a 60-day luxury cruise around Australia, costing more than $50,000. Rees had been hiking on the island with other passengers but did not return to the Coral Adventurer before it departed.

Her daughter, Katherine Rees, expressed shock and heartbreak, saying there appeared to be a “failure of care and common sense.” According to police, Suzanne became unwell during the hike due to extreme heat and was told to head back down the trail alone. The ship then left without conducting a passenger count, leaving her stranded on the remote island.

Authorities say the cruise company didn’t raise the alarm until 10 p.m. that night, leading to a search by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. A rescue helicopter located Suzanne’s body the next day. Police are treating the death as sudden and non-suspicious, but her daughter believes proper precautions could have saved her mother’s life.

Coral Expeditions, the operator, expressed condolences and said they are cooperating with investigators. Authorities are now reviewing whether the ship failed to follow required safety procedures, including ensuring all passengers were accounted for before departure. An inquiry will determine if negligence played a role in the tragedy.