The search for a passenger who went overboard from the Norwegian Epic cruise ship has officially been discontinued. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when a 51-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, fell off the vessel while en route to the Bahamas during a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise that had departed from Port Canaveral.
A nearby cruise ship, the Zuiderdam, joined the efforts of the authorities in trying to locate the man. However, despite extensive search operations directed by the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center, no trace was found, prompting Norwegian Cruise Line to announce the conclusion of the search later that evening.
Officials from Norwegian Cruise Line expressed their condolences and confirmed that the man was traveling with a large group, collectively working to support his family during this challenging time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” a spokesperson remarked.
The incident transpired as the Norwegian Epic was navigating northbound after departing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and was headed for Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The cruise ship had previously encountered several medical emergencies, none of which were connected to this overboard situation.
The Norwegian Epic, a ship capable of accommodating approximately 4,100 passengers, boasts numerous amenities and facilities, having undergone refurbishment in 2020. It has become a popular vessel for Caribbean sailings through this winter season due to increased demand.
While this is a tragic incident, it underscores the importance of safety measures and vigilance onboard cruise ships. More awareness and education on maritime safety can help prevent such occurrences in the future. As the cruise industry continues to thrive, it’s essential for operators to enhance safety protocols for the protection of all passengers and crew members.