Concern from Norwegian Cruise Line ship as an overboard passenger

On By Littum

A 51-year-old male guest went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic late Thursday afternoon, December 26, 2024.

The ship was initially involved in search operations and was joined by another nearby cruise ship in the hope of a successful outcome. Unfortunately, however, it has been confirmed by the cruise line that the search has already ended without success.

The incident was first noted around 3pm as Norwegian Epic sailed northbound from Ocho Rios, Jamaica en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The ship is currently on a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage that departed from Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, December 21.

This is what a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line tells Cruise Hive“The authorities were immediately notified and a search and rescue operation under the guidance and supervision of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center began. After an extensive search, which was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities to continue its voyage.“

Search and rescue operations were initiated immediately, with a flare thrown into the water to mark the ship’s position at the first report of an overboard. Norwegian Epic immediately worked to stop and turn around to begin searching with a typical circular pattern to cross and recross the search area.

It can take some time for a ship as big as 155,873 gross tons Norwegian Epic to brake and turn safely. With sunset in the Bahamas on December 26 at At 5:18 p.m., only a few hours of bright daylight were available before search operations would become much more difficult.

Many passengers on board tried to help with the search by keeping an eye on balconies and from the ship’s open deck. Announcements on board indicated that the individual overboard was wearing a blue shirt.

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam was also nearby and participated in the search. Zuiderdam is homeported from Port Everglades and is also in the midst of a 7-night Caribbean itinerary, with December 26th as a day at sea.

It should be noted that Norwegian Epic have had several medical incidents on board the current sailing, where ambulances meet the ship in the first port of call – Cozumel, Mexico on Monday 23 December – as well as on Ocho Rio’s Christmas Day.

There is no reported connection between the previous medical calls and the overboard incident.

The cruise line spokesperson also informed Cruise Hive, “The guest traveled with a large group and his family on board is being looked after and supported in this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.“

Norwegian Epic Overboard SituationNorwegian Epic Overboard Situation
Norwegian Epic Overboard Situation (Credit: George Sakellaris)

Norwegian Epic continued search operations, either until the cruise ship was released by authorities when they arrived on scene to take over the search, or if the person was rescued.

Other recent cruise ships overboard

There have been several overboard incidents reported recently from various cruise ships and cruise lines just this month.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, a female passenger attempted to jump from Princess Cruises’ Sky princess but hit a lifeboat and eventually passed from her injuries. At the time, the ship was returning to Fort Lauderdale at the end of a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary.

Less than a week earlier, on December 17, a code OSCAR was called from Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seaindicating an overboard situation. The ship was finishing a 12-night southern Caribbean itinerary at the time.

Sky Princess cruise shipSky Princess cruise ship
Sky Princess Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: Mateus Andre)

On December 2, a male passenger was reported missing and believed overboard from Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess as the ship returned to San Francisco at the end of a 5-night itinerary that had included visits to San Diego and Ensenada.

Also read: Secret codes and emergency codes on cruise ships that only crew members know

Any incident on board is a tense situation for passengers and crew alike emergency operations are underwayalways with the hope of a positive outcome.

Cruise Hive’s thoughts go out to the family members, fellow travelers and crew members affected by these troubling incidents.

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