An 81-year-old Australian woman tragically died after being left behind on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, far north Queensland, during a Coral Expeditions cruise on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The remote island, located 27 kilometers off Cooktown, was part of the cruise itinerary for the luxury Coral Adventurer vessel, which was on a 60-day circumnavigation of Australia.

The woman joined a group hike to Lizard Island’s highest peak, Cook’s Look, but reportedly stopped midway to rest, opting not to complete the steep trail. Unbeknownst to the group, she did not rejoin them in time for boarding the cruise ship. The ship departed the island around sunset, listing the woman as a missing passenger only hours later, around 9:00 PM local time.

A search and rescue operation ensued overnight involving Coast Guard helicopters and crew members. Her body was found the next morning, just 50 meters from the walking track, confirming fears that she had fallen or succumbed to injuries or exposure on the island.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokesperson confirmed that the death is being treated as sudden but non-suspicious. “We take the safety of passengers very seriously, and an investigation is underway to fully understand the circumstances leading up to this tragic incident,” the spokesperson said.

Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield expressed deep condolences, stating, “We are deeply sorry this has occurred and we are providing full support to the woman’s family in this difficult time. Our crew acted swiftly to initiate the search once alerted.”

Witnesses included a local sailor anchored nearby who saw rescue helicopters operating late into the early morning hours, signaling the urgency and scale of the search.

This incident has sparked concerns about safety protocols for elderly solo travelers on adventure cruises to remote locations. Experts note that such expeditions, while offering unique access to pristine environments, must balance exploration with stringent safety measures, especially for vulnerable passengers.

Summary and Next Steps:
The death of the elderly woman on Lizard Island is a sobering reminder about the challenges of remote travel and the importance of adherence to group safety during excursions. Authorities and cruise operators are investigating to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, families of passengers aboard the Coral Adventurer await further updates as the ship docks in Darwin and investigations conclude.