Coral Adventurer Passenger Found Dead on Lizard Island, Australia – 25 October 2025

On 25 October 2025, an 80-year-old female passenger from the expedition cruise vessel Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions, was found deceased on Lizard Island, approximately 320 km north of Cairns, Queensland. The passenger had separated from a guided shore excursion to Cook's Look and was not accounted for when the vessel departed. Her body was discovered the following day during a search effort initiated after her absence was discovered that evening.

The Queensland Coroners Court has been notified and is conducting a formal investigation. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is reviewing the vessel's compliance with passenger-tracking and excursion oversight procedures required under maritime safety regulations.

The passenger joined a guided hike to Cook's Look, the highest point on Lizard Island, as part of a scheduled shore excursion. Partway through the climb, she informed the group that she was unable to continue and stated her intention to return to the vessel alone. Witnesses noted her departure from the hiking group. The Coral Adventurer subsequently departed without confirming that all passengers had reboarded. When her absence was discovered later that evening, a search was initiated both onboard and ashore. Her body was located the following day.

Fatalities

• 1 passenger (80-year-old female).

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable; passenger was located deceased.

The Queensland Coroners Court is conducting a formal investigation into the death. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is reviewing the vessel's compliance with passenger-tracking procedures and excursion oversight protocols required under maritime safety regulations. An AMSA spokesperson confirmed that investigators will assess whether proper headcounts and excursion supervision protocols were implemented and will take action if non-compliance is identified. AMSA intends to board the vessel when it arrives in Darwin to conduct additional inquiries.

Mark Fifield, CEO of Coral Expeditions, confirmed that the company is fully cooperating with authorities and expressed condolences to the passenger's family. The company's care team is supporting both the family and the passengers and crew affected by the incident. The Coral Adventurer resumed its itinerary after clearance from authorities.

The vessel has resumed its 60-day circumnavigation of Australia following clearance from authorities. The Queensland Coroners Court investigation is ongoing, and AMSA will conduct further inquiries when the vessel arrives in Darwin.