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A two-month voyage through Australia is being halted following the tragic passing of an elderly lady who was stranded by the cruise liner on a distant coastal location.

Suzanne Rees had been walking on the remote island with other travelers from the Coral Adventurer, but parted ways from the group for a rest. The ship left without her and returned several hours later after the personnel realised the woman was unaccounted for.

An extensive search operation discovered her remains the following day.

Officials are looking into the tragedy, in coordination with law enforcement and the state coroner.

Chief Executive of the cruise operator stated that travelers and staff on the ship were notified that the continuation of the cruise had been cancelled due to the "tragic passing and earlier technical problems".

In a statement, he mentioned that passengers would be provided a total repayment, and said the organization was working "to organize the travel back of the individuals via specially arranged planes".

Officials also released an updated announcement, and said they had "delivered a notice to the Master" preventing any further travelers from boarding the ship.

The official said that they would inspect the liner in the Australian city upon its coming back.

Timeline of Incidents

The vessel initially left Cairns on the 24th of October, and was just two days into the journey at the time of the senior passenger's death. Lizard Island was the opening port on the itinerary.

Passengers on the vessel - who usually pay large sums of money to take part in the expedition - were transported there for a shore visit with the possibility of hiking or snorkelling.

Family Reaction

The daughter of the deceased woman said that her family was "shocked and distressed that the ship left Lizard Island after an planned tour without my parent".

In her statement, she characterized her mum as an "active 80-year-old" who was a participant of a hiking organization.

"From the little facts we have been provided, it seems that there was a failure of care and basic judgment," she said.

She continued that she hoped the investigation would be able to identify what "the operator should have performed that might have preserved Her existence".

"According to reports from the investigators that it was a exceptionally warm period, and mum took sick on the uphill trek," she explained.

"Officials suggested her to head down, alone. Then the boat left, apparently without performing a roll call.

"During some point in that sequence, or not long after, she succumbed, by herself."

Company Position

Via official communication, the Head confirmed that the company was "collaborating extensively with authorities to aid their examination".

He said that the organization was "extremely apologetic that this has happened" and had offered its complete assistance to the loved ones.

Maritime Business Practices

The ship caters for up to 120 guests with nearly fifty staff, according to official details. It was specially constructed to enter remote areas of the Australian coastline and is outfitted with "tenders" - compact vessels used to ferry travelers on day excursions.

Events such as this are rare, and cruise ships have protocols to record which travelers are embarking or leaving, according to maritime specialists.

"Going ashore secretly or [back] onboard just isn't an choice," an authority stated.

Vessel operators take these methods extremely carefully and have "advanced technology in place to avoid such events from occurring," the specialist continued.

"This appears to be most likely a stunning - and tragic - one-off."