A passenger on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship is believed to have died after falling overboard near Portugal during a voyage from Europe to Miami.
The unidentified passenger reportedly fell from the Norwegian Jewel early Monday morning while the ship was on a 12-night transatlantic cruise that began in Barcelona.
Guests said they heard the captain announce a “code Oscar starboard” around 2 a.m.—the emergency alert used when someone goes overboard.
Cruise tracking data showed the ship circling off Portugal’s coast for nearly 10 hours after leaving Ponta Delgada in the Azores as search and rescue teams, including the Portuguese Navy, combed the area. Sadly, the operation was called off after rescuers were unable to locate the passenger.
The Norwegian Jewel, which can carry more than 2,300 guests, departed Barcelona on October 15 and was en route to Miami when the incident occurred.
In a statement to The Express, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that on Monday, October 20, we were notified that a guest was reported to have gone overboard while the ship was sailing from Ponta Delgada, Portugal, to Miami. The appropriate authorities were immediately notified, and an extensive search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels was conducted. Unfortunately, the search was unsuccessful, and the ship was released by authorities to continue its voyage. Our team is providing support to the guest’s loved ones during this very difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
The Independent also reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line for further comment.
This tragic incident comes just days after another cruise-related story made headlines. Last week, prosecutors announced that the mother of a 5-year-old girl who fell overboard from the Disney Dream earlier this summer would not face criminal charges.
The girl’s father made international news after jumping 49 feet from the ship to rescue his daughter during a family photo session on June 29. Officials confirmed that the child escaped injury and that the mother had been supervising her at the time of the accident.