The search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who fell overboard while on a trip to the Bahamas has officially concluded. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon aboard the Norwegian Epic, a vessel that had departed from Port Canaveral for a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. The 51-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, went overboard around 3 p.m. while the ship was en route to Great Stirrup Cay.
In response to the emergency, the cruise line immediately notified authorities, and a search and rescue operation commenced under the direction of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center. Despite the efforts of nearby vessels, including Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, the search was called off Thursday evening without locating the individual.
A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line emphasized that the man was traveling with a large group, and his family onboard is receiving support during this difficult time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones,” they stated. Notably, this is not the first incident involving the Norwegian Epic; a similar event occurred in 2018 when a woman fell overboard but was ultimately rescued after a night search.
The Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020, is capable of accommodating over 4,100 passengers and is staffed by 1,724 crew members. It has been repositioned to Port Canaveral for the 2023-2024 winter season to meet the increasing demand for Caribbean cruises.
This tragic situation serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in cruise travel, highlighting the importance of safety measures onboard. The cruise ship industry continues to prioritize passenger safety, and incidents like these prompt a reevaluation of safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
As families and friends of the affected individuals navigate this difficult experience, the community’s outpouring of support can provide solace in these challenging times.