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A 60-day cruise around the Land Down Under has been cancelled days after the fatal incident of an older lady who was abandoned by the vessel on a remote coastal location.

Suzanne Rees had been hiking on the remote island with shipmates from the cruise ship, but separated from the party for a pause. The vessel sailed away leaving her and came back after some time after the ship staff became aware the woman was missing.

A major rescue mission found her remains the next day.

Investigative bodies are investigating the tragedy, together with investigators and the state coroner.

Head of the voyage organizer said that guests and staff on the vessel were told that the rest of the voyage had been cancelled due to the "tragic passing and previous technical problems".

Through an announcement, he further stated that guests would be given a full refund, and said the company was working "to coordinate the travel back of the passengers via specially arranged planes".

Authorities also published an revised communication, and said they had "provided a order to the Master" banning any additional guests from boarding the ship.

The official said that they would inspect the ship in the Australian city upon its coming back.

Chronology of Incidents

The vessel first departed the Australian port on the 24th of October, and was only 48 hours into the voyage at the point of the 80-year-old's demise. Lizard Island was the first stop on the itinerary.

Guests on the vessel - who usually pay large sums of dollars to take part in the expedition - were transported there for a daily excursion with the possibility of hiking or snorkeling.

Next of Kin Statement

The offspring of the elderly passenger said that her family was "shocked and distressed that the vessel left Lizard Island after an organised excursion without my mother".

Through her comments, she described her parent as an "active octogenarian" who was a participant of a bushwalking group.

"According to scant information we have been provided, it looks that there was a lapse of responsibility and common sense," she mentioned.

She added that she desired the inquiry would be able to determine what "the operator should have done that might have saved Mother's being".

"Based on information from the police that it was a extremely warm afternoon, and mother fell ill on the mountain ascent," she revealed.

"Officials suggested her to return, alone. Then the vessel left, seemingly without doing a headcount.

"At a certain moment in that process, or shortly after, she died, alone."

Operator Position

Through an announcement, the Chief Executive affirmed that the operator was "collaborating extensively with investigators to assist their investigation".

He mentioned that the firm was "extremely apologetic that this has happened" and had provided its total backing to the loved ones.

Maritime Business Procedures

The vessel caters for up to 120 travelers with 46 crew, according to official information. It was purpose-built to access isolated regions of the Australian coast and is outfitted with "small boats" - minor craft used to transport individuals on day excursions.

Events such as this are uncommon, and cruise ships have procedures to record which passengers are embarking or leaving, according to travel authorities.

"Leaving covertly or [back] aboard just isn't an choice," one expert remarked.

Vessel operators consider these processes very seriously and have "sophisticated systems in place to prevent such occurrences from happening," the specialist further stated.

"This appears to be most likely a shocking - and tragic - single occurrence."