An 80-year-old woman has died in “sudden and non-suspicious” circumstances after failing to board a cruise ship on a remote Far North Queensland island.
The Australian reports that an 80-year-old solo traveller was hiking the steep Cook’s Look walk on the island with a cruise group on Saturday when she stopped to rest, but the group continued on and boarded their Coral Expeditions vessel. The woman did not board the ship.
Lizard Island is roughly 1600 north east of Brisbane and 95 km north east of Cooktown, its closest population centre.
It is renowned for world-class snorkelling and diving, and its rich Aboriginal cultural history, dating back almost two millennia.
The woman reportedly fell down a cliff and was not reported missing to police until later that day on Saturday, October 25, after the group realised she had failed to board, according to the masthead.
Her body was retrieved on Sunday following the delayed search, and police are investigating her death and whether she could have been saved.
CEO of Coral Expeditions Mark Fifield confirmed the death of a passenger of its Coral Adventurer vessel, during an excursion to Lizard Island, in a statement to news.com.au.
The vessel can carry up to 120 passengers and 46 crew.
“Coral Expeditions can confirm the tragic death of a passenger on the Coral Adventurer during an excursion to Lizard Island in Queensland,” he said.
“On Saturday 25 October, the crew notified authorities that a woman was missing, and a search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea. Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island,” Mr Fifield said.
“While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family.
“The Coral team have been in contact with the woman’s family, and we will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process.
“We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation.”
The lizard Island stopover is included in Coral Expeditions’ 11-night Cape York and Arnhem Land tour.
“Explore secluded Lizard Island, with crystal clear waters, swimming, snorkelling and sparkling white beaches,” its website reads.
“Enjoy a guided walk to Cook’s Look peak, where Captain James Cook sighted navigable passage through the treacherous reef after Endeavour repairs.”
Queensland Police confirmed in a statement to news.com.au that the “sudden and non-suspicious death of a missing woman in her 80s” was being investigated and a report was being prepared for the coroner.
“The woman was reported missing to the police on 25 October, after failing to board a vessel in waters off Queensland earlier on Saturday,” the spokesperson said.
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