🔗 Share this article

One two-month voyage circling Australia has been cancelled following the tragic passing of an older woman who was left behind by the cruise liner on a isolated coastal location.

The passenger had been trekking on the tropical location with fellow passengers from the cruise ship, but separated from the party for a break. The ship departed without her and went back several hours later after the personnel became aware the passenger was missing.

An extensive rescue mission found her remains the next day.

Authorities are investigating the event, alongside police and the medical examiner.

The CEO of the shipping company said that travelers and personnel on the ship were told that the remainder of the cruise had been called off due to the "sad loss and previous mechanical issues".

In a statement, he further stated that guests would be given a complete reimbursement, and said the company was working "to arrange the return journeys of the individuals via private aircraft".

Regulatory bodies also published an latest statement, and said they had "provided a order to the Master" banning any additional guests from boarding the liner.

The official said that they would attend the vessel in Cairns upon its return.

Chronology of Events

The ship originally sailed from the coastal city on October 24th, and was just two days into the journey at the time of the senior passenger's passing. Lizard Island was the first stop on the voyage.

Travelers on the vessel - who generally pay substantial amounts of currency to take part in the voyage - were transported there for a day trip with the possibility of walking or snorkeling.

Next of Kin Reaction

The daughter of the victim said that her family was "shocked and distressed that the liner left the island after an organised outing without my mum".

Via her announcement, she characterized her mum as an "active octogenarian" who was a participant of a hiking group.

"From the little information we have been provided, it appears that there was a failure of responsibility and common sense," she said.

She further stated that she hoped the investigation would be able to determine what "the operator should have performed that might have saved Mum's being".

"We understand from the authorities that it was a very hot day, and she took sick on the mountain ascent," she explained.

"Officials suggested her to return, alone. Then the vessel sailed away, reportedly without conducting a roll call.

"At some stage in that chain of events, or shortly after, mum died, without company."

Organization Reaction

In a statement, the CEO affirmed that the company was "working closely with officials to assist their examination".

He mentioned that the firm was "extremely apologetic that this has occurred" and had offered its full support to the relatives.

Maritime Business Practices

The liner serves up to 120 travelers with nearly fifty personnel, according to corporate details. It was purpose-built to reach isolated areas of the Australian coastline and is outfitted with "small boats" - small boats used to ferry individuals on day excursions.

Events such as this are infrequent, and liners have procedures to document which travelers are getting on or disembarking, according to travel authorities.

"Sneaking ashore or [back] onboard really isn't an choice," a specialist commented.

Vessel operators consider these processes extremely carefully and have "advanced technology in place to prevent such events from occurring," the authority further stated.

"This appears to be presumably a shocking - and unfortunate - isolated incident."