Queensland police have launched a thorough investigation into the tragic death of a 73-year-old woman during a diving excursion near the world-renowned Lizard Island, with authorities now turning their attention to the luxury superyacht involved in the incident.
The vessel, identified as the White Rabbit, has been subjected to intense questioning by Water Police detectives while docked in Cairns. The sophisticated 68-metre superyacht became the focus of the investigation after the elderly woman lost her life during what should have been a spectacular diving experience in one of Australia's most prized marine locations.
Emergency Response and Investigation Details
Emergency services were urgently dispatched to Lizard Island on Tuesday afternoon following reports of a critical incident involving a diver. Despite immediate medical attention and efforts to save her, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Acting Inspector Andrew Cowie confirmed that the investigation is examining all aspects of the tragic event. "Our Water Police have been speaking with the crew of the vessel to understand the circumstances leading up to this woman's death," Inspector Cowie stated.
The investigation team is meticulously reviewing safety protocols, equipment conditions, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. Police have emphasized that while the death is not currently being treated as suspicious, they are following all necessary procedures to determine exactly what occurred.
Lizard Island: Premier Diving Destination
Lizard Island represents one of Queensland's most exclusive and biologically diverse marine environments, situated approximately 240 kilometres north of Cairns. The island forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular coral formations.
Popular diving sites like Cod Hole and the renowned Ribbon Reefs attract experienced divers from around the world, making this incident particularly shocking to the international diving community. The area is known for its strong currents and advanced diving conditions, typically attracting seasoned divers rather than beginners.
Superyacht Under Scrutiny
The White Rabbit, valued at approximately AU$80 million, represents the pinnacle of luxury marine travel. The vessel features state-of-the-art amenities and typically caters to high-end clients seeking exclusive experiences along the Great Barrier Reef.
Marine industry experts note that superyachts operating in Australian waters must comply with strict safety regulations and crew certification requirements. The investigation will likely examine whether all necessary safety measures were properly implemented during the diving excursion.
Police have confirmed that a report will be prepared for the coroner as the investigation continues to unfold. The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been publicly released, pending notification of her family members.
