The body of an 80-year-old Australian woman has been discovered, reportedly after a cruise ship departed an island without her.
Her remains were recovered on Sunday, according to ABC News Australia. The search for her commenced Saturday night, hours after she was reported missing following the Coral Adventurer cruise ship’s visit to Lizard Island, situated approximately 200 miles north of Cairns.
The unidentified woman was participating in a group hiking tour of the island but did not return to the vessel, which departed between 6 and 7 p.m.
“We heard the radio conversation. They were searching for someone, and the last known location was halfway up the hill,” Rob Siganto, owner of the South Pacific II fishing and charter boat, told the outlet.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is looking into the situation. The agency did not promptly respond to a Digital inquiry.
“We knew that someone was missing, and then we saw the Coral Adventurer heading back to Lizard [Island] on our AIS tracker,” stated Traci Ayris, who is sailing in the vicinity. She was awakened by the sound of a .
“The Coral team has contacted the woman’s family, and we will continue to provide them support throughout this difficult process,” Mark Fifield reportedly said in a statement.
“While investigations into the incident are ongoing, we deeply regret that this occurred and are extending our full support to the woman’s family.”