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An extensive extended voyage around the Australian Coast is being halted in the wake of the tragic passing of an older woman who was stranded by the vessel on a remote island.

Suzanne Rees had been walking on Lizard Island with shipmates from the vessel, but separated from the group for a pause. The ship departed without her and came back several hours later after the ship staff became aware the passenger was unaccounted for.

A major hunt discovered her body the following day.

Authorities are investigating the tragedy, together with law enforcement and the state coroner.

Chief Executive of the cruise operator stated that passengers and staff on the vessel were informed that the remainder of the voyage had been called off due to the "sad loss and earlier engine troubles".

In a statement, he added that passengers would be given a full refund, and said the operator was working "to coordinate the return journeys of the individuals via private aircraft".

Authorities also issued an latest statement, and said they had "issued a order to the Master" prohibiting any additional guests from entering the vessel.

The official said that they would attend the liner in Cairns upon its return.

Chronology of Events

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

Passengers on the ship - who typically pay substantial amounts of money to take part in the voyage - were transported there for a shore visit with the option of hiking or snorkelling.

Next of Kin Reaction

The offspring of the victim said that her family was "shocked and distressed that the liner left Lizard Island after an organised excursion without my parent".

Via her announcement, she portrayed her mother as an "energetic 80-year-old" who was a member of a bushwalking group.

"According to scant information we have been informed, it appears that there was a breakdown of responsibility and ordinary reasoning," she said.

She continued that she desired the investigation would be able to pinpoint what "the organization should have undertaken that might have preserved Mum's being".

"We understand from the investigators that it was a exceptionally warm period, and mother fell ill on the hill climb," she stated.

"Officials suggested her to head down, alone. Then the vessel sailed away, reportedly without performing a passenger count.

"At some stage in that sequence, or not long after, mum died, without company."

Company Position

Through an announcement, the Chief Executive verified that the operator was "working closely with officials to aid their examination".

He said that the firm was "extremely apologetic that this has occurred" and had provided its full support to the family.

Maritime Business Practices

The ship serves up to 120 travelers with nearly fifty personnel, according to official information. It was purpose-built to enter distant areas of Australia's coast and is equipped with "small boats" - compact vessels used to transport travelers on shore trips.

Events of this nature are rare, and cruise ships have systems to track which travelers are embarking or getting off, according to industry experts.

"Sneaking ashore or [back] onboard really isn't an choice," one expert remarked.

Vessel operators consider these processes very seriously and have "advanced technology in place to stop such occurrences from taking place," the specialist further stated.

"This appears to be probably a shocking - and sad - one-off."