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A two-month cruise around the Land Down Under was terminated in the wake of the death of an elderly woman who was stranded by the ship on a isolated tropical isle.

The passenger had been trekking on the remote island with fellow passengers from the vessel, but separated from the party for a rest. The ship sailed away leaving her and went back later that day after the personnel became aware the passenger was not present.

A major hunt discovered her remains the following day.

Investigative bodies are investigating the tragedy, together with law enforcement and the medical examiner.

Chief Executive of the shipping company stated that passengers and personnel on the ship were notified that the rest of the voyage had been terminated due to the "sad loss and earlier mechanical issues".

Through an announcement, he further stated that travelers would be issued a total repayment, and said the company was working "to coordinate the return journeys of the passengers via specially arranged planes".

Authorities also published an revised statement, and said they had "provided a order to the Master" preventing any additional guests from boarding the vessel.

The spokesperson said that they would inspect the ship in Cairns upon its return.

Chronology of Events

The liner first departed Cairns on October 24th, and was only 48 hours into the journey at the moment of the 80-year-old's passing. Lizard Island was the opening port on the itinerary.

Travelers on the vessel - who generally pay tens of thousands of dollars to take part in the cruise - were transported there for a shore visit with the possibility of hiking or snorkelling.

Next of Kin Reaction

The daughter of the victim said that her relatives was "surprised and grieved that the ship left Lizard Island after an organised tour without my mother".

Via her announcement, she described her mum as an "vigorous elderly person" who was a participant of a bushwalking organization.

"From the little details we have been told, it looks that there was a failure of care and common sense," she said.

She continued that she hoped the examination would be able to identify what "the organization should have done that might have protected Her life".

"Based on information from the police that it was a very hot afternoon, and mum took sick on the uphill trek," she stated.

"They requested her to return, alone. Then the ship left, reportedly without conducting a passenger count.

"During some point in that sequence, or not long after, she succumbed, alone."

Operator Response

In a statement, the CEO confirmed that the organization was "cooperating fully with authorities to support their examination".

He said that the organization was "very regretful that this has occurred" and had offered its full support to the family.

Maritime Business Procedures

The liner serves up to one hundred twenty passengers with nearly fifty crew, according to company details. It was specifically designed to access isolated regions of the Australian shoreline and is fitted with "small boats" - minor craft used to ferry travelers on day excursions.

Events of this nature are rare, and cruise ships have procedures to document which passengers are embarking or getting off, according to industry experts.

"Leaving covertly or [back] onboard simply isn't an choice," one expert stated.

Cruise lines regard these processes very seriously and have "advanced technology in place to avoid such events from taking place," the authority continued.

"This seems to be most likely a shocking - and tragic - one-off."