An Australian woman in her 80s has been found dead after failing to re-board her cruise ship following an excursion to a deserted island.
The pensioner was last seen on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef but was reported missing after failing to re-board the Coral Adventurer (main image).
The vessel, operated by Coral Expeditions, departed from Cairns on October 17 on a 60-night luxury circumnavigation of Australia.
The woman was reported missing on Saturday night after failing to reboard the ship when it was anchored near the island.
A search and rescue operation involving land and sea teams was launched the following day after the crew notified authorities.
The woman’s body was found on Sunday and police have confirmed the death as “sudden and non-suspicious” while a coroner’s report is being prepared.
Mark Fifield, Coral Expeditions’ CEO, released a statement offering condolences to the woman’s family, confirming that the company was supporting them and cooperating with authorities.
Meanwhile, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has also been notified and will meet the vessel when it docks in Darwin later this week for further inquiries.
Authorities will aim to establish exactly how the woman came to be separated from the group and whether any safety protocols need review.
