Woman Who ‘Failed to Board’ Cruise Ship Found Dead on Remote Pacific Island

An 80-year-old woman was found dead on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, a day after she failed to reboard a cruise ship in Queensland, Australia.

According to ABC, news.com.au, and 7News, the woman had been traveling solo aboard the Coral Expeditions ship when she joined a hiking excursion to Cook’s Look peak on Saturday, Oct. 25. She reportedly stopped to rest while the rest of her group continued to the summit and later returned to the vessel — unaware she had not made it back.

Police believe the woman may have accidentally fallen from a cliff. Her body was discovered on Sunday, Oct. 26, on Lizard Island, following an extensive land and sea search.

Queensland Police confirmed they are investigating the “sudden and non-suspicious death of a missing woman in her 80s.” A spokesperson said the woman had been reported missing late on Oct. 25 after she “failed to board a vessel in waters off Queensland earlier on Saturday.” The Coral Expeditions ship was carrying 120 passengers and 46 crew members at the time.

Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, issued a statement expressing condolences and outlining the company’s cooperation with authorities. “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.”

Fifield added, “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.”