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An extensive extended journey circling Australia has been cancelled days after the death of an senior lady who was stranded by the vessel on a remote island.

Suzanne Rees had been walking on the remote island with shipmates from the vessel, but broke off from the group for a pause. The vessel sailed away leaving her and came back several hours later after the personnel realised the lady was unaccounted for.

An extensive hunt found her person the next day.

Officials are investigating the event, alongside investigators and the state coroner.

Chief Executive of the shipping company stated that guests and personnel on the ship were told that the remainder of the cruise had been called off due to the "tragic passing and prior mechanical issues".

Through an announcement, he further stated that guests would be issued a full refund, and said the organization was working "to coordinate the homeward trips of the travelers via private aircraft".

Officials also published an revised communication, and said they had "delivered a directive to the Captain" banning any further travelers from boarding the ship.

The official said that they would attend the vessel in the port city upon its coming back.

Chronology of Events

The liner first departed Cairns on 24 October, and was just two days into the journey at the point of the 80-year-old's demise. The tropical location was the opening port on the voyage.

Passengers on board - who generally pay substantial amounts of dollars to join the expedition - were transported there for a shore visit with the option of walking or snorkelling.

Relatives Reaction

The daughter of the victim said that her loved ones was "shocked and grieved that the ship left the island after an planned tour without my parent".

Through her comments, she described her mum as an "energetic 80-year-old" who was a member of a bushwalking organization.

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

She continued that she wished the examination would be able to pinpoint what "the operator should have undertaken that might have saved Mum's being".

"Based on information from the authorities that it was a very hot day, and mum took sick on the hill climb," she explained.

"They requested her to go back, without accompaniment. Then the ship left, apparently without performing a headcount.

"During some point in that process, or shortly after, she succumbed, alone."

Company Response

Via official communication, the Chief Executive affirmed that the company was "working closely with authorities to aid their inquiry".

He mentioned that the company was "extremely apologetic that this has happened" and had extended its full support to the family.

Cruise Industry Standards

The ship accommodates up to 120 passengers with forty-six staff, according to company details. It was specially constructed to reach distant areas of Australia's coastline and is fitted with "auxiliary vessels" - minor craft used to take travelers on shore trips.

Events of this nature are rare, and cruise ships have procedures to record which passengers are boarding or leaving, according to maritime specialists.

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

Cruise lines regard these processes extremely carefully and have "clever tech in place to avoid such incidents from happening," the specialist added.

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