The death of 80-year-old Suzanne Rees, who was stranded on Lizard Island on 26 October in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, has sparked controversy. While the cruise ship Coral Adventure was hiking, Suzanne became separated from the group and failed to return to the ship at the scheduled time.
The ship later left the island, and an urgent search was launched after she was discovered missing late at night. Rescue teams recovered her frozen body the next morning. Questions have been raised about how she was not noticed and why the passengers were not checked.
Passenger Absence
The investigation revealed that it was extremely hot that day, and Suzanne was advised to return to the ship herself because she was feeling unwell. But even after the group returned from the hike, no one confirmed her return.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said that whether the passengers were counted is now the main issue in the investigation. The cruise ship was carrying 120 passengers and 46 crew, but experts are expressing surprise that there was no headcount. The incident has sparked a global debate on cruise safety.
Family Outrage
Susan’s daughter Catherine Rees said the ship’s irresponsible behavior had deeply hurt their family. She said her mother was advised to return home alone when she was sick, but no one checked before the ship left to make sure she had returned.
Katherine called the incident a “gross failure of common sense and care.” She hoped the coroner’s inquest would reveal the truth. The ship’s authorities expressed their condolences to the family, but the controversy has not stopped.
Netizen’s Reaction
Many commented that the problem began with the elderly tourist being left alone for a hike. Some felt that it was not unusual for a cruise ship to fall behind if it missed its deadline, but leaving an elderly person like this was questionable.
Meanwhile, others called for more compassion for the elderly, saying that they can be easily distracted and should be taken care of. Some netizens expressed anger at the ship’s authorities, asking how this mistake was possible when there were safety measures in place. Others said that instead of harsh comments, humanity should be shown.
Investigation And Response
However, authorities said it was a “sudden and non-suspicious death” but were investigating how it happened. The ship later returned to the island and searched through the night, but it was too late. Various sources said the woman may have fallen off a cliff.
Passengers nearby said they were also surprised by the cruise ship’s “quick departure.” A coordinated search by helicopters and rescue teams found her body the next morning.
Watch the video here:
@7newsaustralia An 81-year-old woman has died on Lizard Island in far north Queensland after the cruise ship she was travelling on left without her. #cruise #stranded #desertisland #lizardisland #fnq
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