Family “Shocked and Saddened” After Cruise Passenger Dies Alone on Lizard Island

Incident Overview

On Saturday, 25 October 2025, an 81-year-old passenger died on Lizard Island in Far North Queensland after being left behind during a guided excursion by the Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions. The woman was reported missing that evening when a manifest check revealed her absence, triggering a joint air-and-sea search that located her body the following morning.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Queensland Police are investigating the incident, with particular focus on whether mandatory passenger head-count procedures were followed before the vessel departed.

• Fatalities:
  • On Saturday, 25 October 2025, an 81-year-old passenger died on Lizard Island in Far North Queensland after being left behind during a guided excursion by the Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions
• Injuries:
  • None reported.

• On Saturday, 25 October 2025, an 81-year-old passenger died on Lizard Island in Far North Queensland after being left behind during a guided excursion by the Coral Adventurer, operated by Coral Expeditions

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Queensland Police are investigating the incident, with particular focus on whether mandatory passenger head-count procedures were followed before the vessel departed.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is leading the investigation and will question the Coral Adventurer’s crew when the vessel docks in Darwin. AMSA is examining whether the ship breached mandatory passenger-counting obligations before departure. Queensland Police are also investigating and preparing a formal report for the coroner. Maritime law requires operators to conduct head-counts before departure following on-shore excursions, particularly on remote islands where medical assistance is limited.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is investigating this incident and welcomes any information from crew members, passengers or other witnesses who were aboard the Coral Adventurer or present on Lizard Island on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact AMSA on 1300 362 128 or Queensland Police.

In Summary

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is investigating this incident and welcomes any information from crew members, passengers or other witnesses who were aboard the Coral Adventurer or present on Lizard Island on Saturday, 25 October 2025. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact AMSA on 1300 362 128 or Queensland Police.