Death on the Island: 80-Year-Old Cruise Passenger Forgotten on Excursion 0 17

The body of a woman, whose name has not been released, was found on Sunday on Lizard Island near the coast of Queensland, and police have described her death as "sudden but not suspicious."

The disappearance of the passenger, who was on a cruise around Australia aboard the Coral Adventurer, was reported by the ship's captain on Saturday around 9 PM, according to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Earlier that day, the cruise ship had stopped at Lizard Island as part of its itinerary.

According to Australian media reports, the 80-year-old woman fell behind her traveling companions during a walk on the island.

Upon discovering the woman's absence, the captain ordered a return to the island, and the body of the 80-year-old passenger was found on Sunday morning.

AMSA is investigating the incident, including "the circumstances under which the passenger's absence was not noticed during boarding." The investigation will be conducted in close cooperation with other agencies, the statement said.

Agency representatives will meet the Coral Adventurer in Darwin, a city in the Northern Territory, where the ship is expected to arrive at the end of this week.

In a statement, Mark Fifield, CEO of cruise operator Coral Expeditions, confirmed the "tragic death of a Coral Adventurer passenger during an excursion on Lizard Island."

"While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, we deeply regret that this has occurred and are providing full support to the woman's family," he said.

Lizard Island has no permanent residents. However, it is home to a research station, as well as a luxury resort and a campground managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

According to the company's website, cruises on the Coral Adventurer, which accommodates up to 120 guests, can cost tens of thousands of Australian dollars.