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An extensive 60-day cruise around the Land Down Under was terminated days after the death of an older woman who was stranded by the vessel on a remote island.

The passenger had been walking on Lizard Island with fellow passengers from the cruise ship, but separated from the excursion for a break. The ship sailed away leaving her and returned later that day after the personnel became aware the lady was missing.

A large-scale search operation found her body the subsequent day.

Officials are looking into the event, together with police and the medical examiner.

The CEO of the voyage organizer said that guests and staff on the ship were notified that the remainder of the voyage had been cancelled due to the "tragic passing and previous engine troubles".

Through an announcement, he further stated that guests would be issued a total repayment, and said the company was working "to organize the return journeys of the passengers via chartered flights".

Authorities also published an latest statement, and said they had "provided a notice to the Master" banning any additional guests from entering the liner.

The official said that they would inspect the vessel in Cairns upon its return.

Chronology of Incidents

The vessel initially left Cairns on the 24th of October, and was just two days into the journey at the time of the senior passenger's demise. Lizard Island was the first stop on the itinerary.

Travelers on the vessel - who typically pay tens of thousands of dollars to participate in the cruise - were transported there for a shore visit with the option of walking or snorkelling.

Family Statement

The daughter of the deceased woman said that her loved ones was "shocked and distressed that the ship left the location after an planned tour without my mum".

Through her comments, she characterized her mother as an "vigorous octogenarian" who was a participant of a walking organization.

"Based on limited details we have been informed, it looks that there was a failure of care and basic judgment," she stated.

She continued that she wished the investigation would be able to identify what "the organization should have done that might have saved Mum's life".

"Based on information from the police that it was a very hot period, and she took sick on the mountain ascent," she stated.

"They requested her to return, without accompaniment. Then the boat departed, apparently without performing a headcount.

"At some stage in that chain of events, or soon after, she died, without company."

Operator Response

Via official communication, the Head confirmed that the organization was "collaborating extensively with investigators to assist their examination".

He said that the company was "extremely apologetic that this has transpired" and had offered its complete assistance to the relatives.

Maritime Business Procedures

The ship accommodates up to 120 travelers with 46 personnel, according to official information. It was purpose-built to access isolated areas of the Australian shoreline and is equipped with "small boats" - minor craft used to ferry individuals on shore trips.

Events like this are rare, and passenger vessels have protocols to record which individuals are embarking or leaving, according to industry experts.

"Going ashore secretly or [back] onboard really isn't an option," a specialist remarked.

Vessel operators consider these processes with great importance and have "sophisticated systems in place to prevent such occurrences from taking place," the expert continued.

"This appears to be most likely a surprising - and sad - single occurrence."