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One two-month cruise around the Land Down Under was terminated in the wake of the tragic passing of an elderly female passenger who was stranded by the cruise liner on a remote island.

The passenger had been hiking on the remote island with shipmates from the vessel, but broke off from the excursion for a break. The ship left without her and returned later that day after the ship staff discovered the woman was missing.

A major hunt located her remains the following day.

Investigative bodies are examining the tragedy, alongside investigators and the official investigator.

Chief Executive of the shipping company stated that passengers and staff on the ship were notified that the remainder of the journey had been terminated due to the "unfortunate death and previous technical problems".

In a statement, he added that passengers would be issued a total repayment, and said the company was working "to organize the return journeys of the individuals via chartered flights".

Officials also released an updated communication, and said they had "issued a notice to the Master" banning any new passengers from getting on the vessel.

The official said that they would inspect the vessel in Cairns upon its arrival.

Chronology of Incidents

The liner originally sailed from the coastal city on the 24th of October, and was merely two days into the expedition at the time of the 80-year-old's demise. The remote island was the opening port on the voyage.

Travelers on the ship - who generally pay large sums of money to participate in the expedition - were ferried there for a day trip with the possibility of trekking or underwater exploration.

Next of Kin Reaction

The offspring of the elderly passenger said that her relatives was "shocked and distressed that the vessel left the location after an scheduled tour without my parent".

Through her comments, she described her mother as an "energetic 80-year-old" who was a affiliate of a hiking group.

"From the little facts we have been told, it looks that there was a lapse of attention and ordinary reasoning," she stated.

She continued that she wished the investigation would be able to pinpoint what "the company should have undertaken that might have protected Her being".

"According to reports from the police that it was a very hot afternoon, and mother took sick on the uphill trek," she explained.

"They requested her to return, alone. Then the vessel sailed away, seemingly without conducting a passenger count.

"At some stage in that process, or soon after, mum succumbed, without company."

Organization Reaction

Through an announcement, the Chief Executive confirmed that the company was "working closely with authorities to aid their investigation".

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

Maritime Business Standards

The ship caters for up to one hundred twenty guests with forty-six staff, according to corporate data. It was specially constructed to enter remote regions of Australia's coast and is fitted with "auxiliary vessels" - compact vessels used to transport individuals on land visits.

Events like this are rare, and cruise ships have protocols to document which travelers are embarking or getting off, according to maritime specialists.

"Sneaking ashore or [back] on the ship just isn't an possibility," one expert remarked.

Shipping companies take these methods extremely carefully and have "sophisticated systems in place to avoid such incidents from taking place," the specialist continued.

"This is most likely a shocking - and sad - single occurrence."