Name: Family seeks answers after elderly woman dies on Lizard Island
Uploaded: 2025-10-30T06:21:56.177Z
Duration: 1 min 10 s
Description: The 80-year-old cruise passenger who died after she was left behind on Lizard Island has been identified as Sydney woman Suzanne Rees. Her daughter Katherine is demanding answers saying it was a failure of care and common sense.

The 80-year-old cruise passenger who died after she was left behind on Lizard Island has been identified as Sydney woman Suzanne Rees. Her daughter Katherine is demanding answers saying it was a failure of care and common sense.

Lizard Island

Suzanne Rees, an 80-year-old passenger described as healthy and active, died after becoming ill during a hike on Lizard Island as part of a cruise excursion. Her family alleges there was a failure of care, stating she was left to descend alone and that the ship departed without a passenger count. 

Rees was reported missing hours later, and her body was discovered the following day. Investigators from the Marine Safety Regulator are set to board the cruise ship when it arrives in Darwin, as the family calls for a coronial inquiry into the incident.

Family seeks answers after elderly woman dies on Lizard Island

Yes, Sandra, and they are demanding answers. In a statement to 10 News, Suzanne's daughter, Catherine, said there was a, quote, failure of care and common sense. On Saturday, Suzanne Rees, along with other passengers from the Coral Adventurer, disembarked at Lizard Island to hike its highest peak. At some point during that excursion, the 80-year-old, who has been described as healthy and active, left the group to rest. It was a very hot day and Suzanne felt sick on the hill climb. In a statement, her family said she was asked to head down unescorted. Then, the ship left, apparently without doing a passenger count. At some stage in that sequence, or shortly after, mum died alone. It wasn't until hours later that the alarm was raised. Suzanne was missing, and while the ship did eventually return to the island, her body wasn't discovered until the next day. Her family hopes a coronial inquiry will hold the cruise company accountable. Sandra, investigators from the Marine Safety Regulator will board the boat when it arrives in Darwin in the coming days. John Paul Gonzo there with the latest on that story. Thank you.

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