The search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who fell overboard on Thursday while en route to the Bahamas has sadly been discontinued. The incident involved a 51-year-old male passenger, whose identity remains undisclosed, who went overboard around 3 p.m. aboard the Norwegian Epic. The ship had set sail from Port Canaveral on a week-long Western Caribbean cruise that began on December 21.
Immediately after the passenger was reported missing, a search operation commenced under the guidance of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center. A nearby cruise ship, Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, also participated in the effort. However, by Thursday evening, the search was officially called off, and the Norwegian Epic was allowed to resume its journey.
The passenger, who was traveling with a large group, was reportedly wearing a blue shirt at the time of the incident. A representative from Norwegian Cruise Line expressed their condolences, stating that the family onboard is receiving support during this extremely difficult time. They emphasized that their thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones affected by the situation.
This tragic event is reminiscent of a similar incident in 2018 when an unidentified woman fell from the same ship but was successfully rescued during a night operation.
The Norwegian Epic, which can hold up to 4,100 passengers and features 19 decks, was launched in 2010 and refurbished in 2020. The ship is based in Port Canaveral for the 2023-2024 winter season to cater to the increased interest in Caribbean cruises.
It’s important to remember that while cruise vacations are exciting, they come with certain risks. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols onboard ships.
In light of this tragic occurrence, it’s crucial for cruise lines and passengers alike to prioritize safety measures and ensure that all protocols are followed to prevent similar incidents in the future.