An 80-year-old Australian woman has been found dead on a Great Barrier Reef island after being left behind by the cruise ship she was travelling on.
The woman had been hiking on Lizard Island, 250km (155 miles) north of Cairns, with fellow passengers from the Coral Adventurer cruise ship when she is believed to have broken off from the group to rest.
The ship left the island around sunset but returned several hours later after the crew realized she was missing. A major search operation found her body on Sunday morning. No details have been released.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa) stated it was investigating and would meet the ship's crew later this week.
It is understood the woman, whose name has not been disclosed, was on the first stop of a 60-day cruise around Australia, with tickets costing in the tens of thousands of dollars. She had joined a group hike to the island's highest peak, Cook's Look, before deciding to rest and did not return to the ship.
Traci Ayris, who was sailing near the island, reported seeing a helicopter searching the walking trail at around midnight on Saturday. The search was called off early Sunday morning but resumed later, resulting in the discovery of the woman's body.
The Coral Expeditions chief executive expressed sorrow over the incident and stated that staff were providing support to the woman's family as investigations continue with relevant authorities. Further details will be reported as the investigation unfolds.
