What we know about the search

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The search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who went overboard on Thursday bound for the Bahamas on a ship sailing out of Port Canaveral has been called off.

A 51-year-old man, who has not been identified, went overboard on the Norwegian Epic at around according to Cruise Hive.

Another nearby cruise ship joined the search, but the cruise line confirmed to Cruise Hive that the search ended Thursday evening.

“Authorities were immediately notified and a search and rescue operation under the guidance and supervision of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center began,” a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson told Cruise Hive. “After an extensive search which was unfortunately unsuccessful, the vessel was released by the authorities to continue its voyage.”

In 2018, an unidentified woman fell off the Norwegian Epic near the Bahamas but was rescued during a nighttime search.

Here’s what we know.

Who went overboard on a Norwegian Cruise Line?

The passenger’s name has not yet been released. It was a 51-year-old man, and according to announcements on board, he was wearing a blue shirt.

A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesman said the man was traveling with a large group. “His family on board are being cared for and supported in this very challenging situation,” they said.

“The guest traveled with a large group and his family on board is being watched over and supported during this very challenging situation,” a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”

Where did the man go overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Epic sailed northbound from Ocho Rios, Jamaica en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

The ship immediately stopped and began search and rescue operations, and was joined by Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam ship out of Port Everglades, according to Cruise Hive.

Norwegian Epic had already seen “several medical incidents” during the current voyage, Cruise Hive reported, but they were unrelated to this incident.

Man overboard! How easy is it to fall overboard on a cruise ship and how can you survive?

What is the Norwegian epic?

Norwegian Epic – which was built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020 – can accommodate 4,100 passengers based on double occupancy of its cabins and has a crew of 1,724. It has 19 decks, is 1,081 feet long and is 155,873 gross tons.

It previously sailed from Italy and Spain on Mediterranean cruises, but was brought to Port Canaveral for the 2023-2024 winter season to meet growing demand for Caribbean sailings, the company said last year.

Featured: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY