Supreme Court order has restrain a tourist operator from operating in Mystery Island following the deaths of two tourists in 2023.

Justice Beverleigh Kanas ruled that Walking Sun Tours acted negligently by failing to provide proper safety measures, including using an underage tour guide at the time of one incident. The court found the operator lacked adequate training for its staff, putting visitors at serious risk.

Mystery Island Tourism Holdings Limited (MITH), which oversees operators on the island, had already suspended the company’s permit, but the operator continued to work until another accident occurred the following month. The court upheld MITH’s decision, declaring it lawful and necessary to protect tourists.

Under the ruling, Walking Sun Tours and its employees are banned from operating at Mystery Island and surrounding waters for 12 months. After this period, MITH may consider renewing the operator’s permit if safety standards are met.