Concern Grows After Passenger Goes Overboard on Norwegian Cruise Line Ship

A tragic incident occurred on December 26, 2024, when a 51-year-old male passenger went overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic. The incident unfolded around 3 p.m. as the ship was traveling from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas while on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise.

Upon learning of the situation, the ship’s crew immediately initiated search and rescue operations, which were later bolstered by another nearby cruise ship. Unfortunately, after an extensive search effort, the cruise line confirmed that the search was unsuccessful, and the authorities released Norwegian Epic to continue its voyage.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line stated, “The authorities were immediately notified, and a search and rescue operation under the guidance and oversight of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center went underway." The cruise ship employed a circular search pattern to try to locate the passenger before sunset, as daylight was limited.

Passengers on board participated in the search by observing from balconies and open decks, with announcements indicating that the missing guest was wearing a blue shirt. Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, which was also on a Caribbean cruise, joined the search efforts.

It’s noteworthy that Norwegian Epic had recently experienced several medical incidents during the same voyage. Emergency services met the ship for medical calls first in Cozumel, Mexico, and again in Ocho Rios; however, there is no indication that these incidents are related to the overboard situation.

The cruise line’s spokesperson further mentioned that the passenger was traveling with a large group, and the family has been offered support during this challenging period.

This incident follows a series of overboard situations recently reported, emphasizing the serious nature of such events in the cruise industry.

For more details, please visit: Great Stirrup Cay and Cozumel, Mexico.

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