Daughter Blames Australian Cruise Operator After Mother's Death on Lizard Island
Suzanne Rees was found dead on Lizard Island on Thursday, hours after the cruise vessel that had docked there earlier in the day departed without her. Rees, a 68‑year‑old tourist from Melbourne, was reportedly left on the remote island after missing the ship’s scheduled departure time. Local emergency services were alerted after a family member raised concerns, and a search was launched, culminating in the discovery of her body near the island’s main jetty.
According to the initial investigation, the cruise ship, operated by an Australian company, left Lizard Island at approximately 14:30 local time, adhering to a pre‑arranged itinerary. Passengers were instructed to be on board by a set deadline, and crew members reported that no additional passengers were present at the time of departure. The island’s limited infrastructure meant that medical assistance was not immediately available, prompting a delayed response once authorities were notified.
The daughter of the deceased, who wishes to remain anonymous, has publicly criticized the cruise operator, alleging that the company failed to ensure the safety of its guests and to provide adequate assistance when Rees was left behind. She called for a thorough inquiry into the company’s boarding procedures and demanded accountability for what she described as “negligent conduct that directly contributed to her mother’s tragic death.”
Industry observers note that incidents involving passengers being left behind are rare but raise broader concerns about safety protocols on remote‑destination cruises. The Australian tourism sector has faced scrutiny in recent years over passenger welfare, prompting regulators to review compliance with maritime safety standards and emergency response requirements.
The cruise operator issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the family and asserting that an internal review is underway. It emphasized that all crew members followed standard operating procedures and that the company is cooperating fully with the Queensland Police Service, which is leading the criminal investigation. Authorities have confirmed that a formal inquest will examine whether procedural lapses occurred.
If the investigation uncovers violations, the operator could face penalties ranging from fines to restrictions on future itineraries. The incident is also expected to influence public confidence in remote‑island cruise offerings, potentially prompting travel agencies and tourists to seek clearer assurances of safety measures before booking similar voyages.
