Search for overboard passengers on Norwegian Epic ends after 48 hours

A search for a 51-year-old passenger who fell overboard from the Norwegian cruise ship Epic has been called off after 48 hours despite an extensive search effort.

The man, who was traveling with his family, went overboard at approximately 3:00 p.m. Thursday while the ship was en route from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the authorities were immediately notified and a search and rescue operation was launched under the guidance of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center.

Despite extensive efforts, the search was ultimately deemed unsuccessful and the ship was allowed to continue its journey after being released by the authorities.

The man was reportedly traveling with a large group, including his family. The cruise line stated that the family members are being “looked after and supported in this very challenging situation.”

Passengers aboard the Norwegian Epic shared videos on social media showing the ship circling the area where the man fell overboard, as well as the reaction of nearby vessels, including Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam.

A passenger on board the Norwegian Epic filmed the aftermath, saying in a video: “They’re putting a flare, they’re circling. We went all round looking for the guy who jumped off the boat.” Another passenger noted in a separate video: “A guy jumped off the boat.” The ship had deployed a flare to mark the location of the incident while it searched for the man.

The nearby Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, which was also on a Caribbean cruise, was seen heading towards the site to help with the search.

The Zuiderdam, which is also on a seven-night Caribbean itinerary, was reportedly steaming towards the site after Norwegian Epic reported the man overboard. A flare was shot into the water to help mark the ship’s location during the search.

On-board announcements informed passengers that the person was wearing a blue shirt at the time of the fall. The ship, which had departed Port Canaveral, Florida, on Saturday, was diverted to Nassau, Bahamas, as a result of the incident.

The search ended before sunset on Thursday. Passengers who shared videos of the incident expressed hope for a miracle, with one woman filming saying: “I hope there is a miracle and they are able to find him.”

The incident comes just days after another tragic event involving a passenger who fell from the Sky Princess cruise ship on December 21. Elizabeth McElmurray, 48, died after falling from the top deck of the Sky Princess as it returned to Florida from the Caribbean.

Authorities report that McElmurray was attempting to jump into the water when she accidentally landed on one of the ship’s lower decks, 10 stories below.

McElmurray’s family paid tribute to her and her mother expressed gratitude for the crew’s support during the ordeal. McElmurray had been traveling to scatter her mother’s husband’s ashes on his favorite beach in Jamaica.