The death of an 80-year-old woman who was allegedly left on a remote tropical island after a cruise stop has reignited debate over passenger safety standards on the Great Barrier Reef.

The woman, a guest aboard Coral Expeditions' Coral Adventurer, had joined a guided hike to Lizard Island's highest peak , Cook's Look, on Saturday.

It is understood that during the hike, she told the group she could not continue and would return to the ship.

Witnesses have told the ABC that hours later, they saw the cruise ship depart from the island shore.

When it was discovered that the woman had failed to reboard, a night-time search was launched across the rugged national park, 320 kilometres north of Cairns.

Her body was found on Sunday.

The death has been referred to the Coroners Court for inv

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