Norwegian Cruise Line, A tragedy unfolded onboard a Norwegian Epic cruise ship with the passenger overboard of a 51-year-old lady yesterday Thursday en route to the Bahamas. An extensive search could not retrieve the passenger as she was swept out, and rescue has now been terminated.
The passenger was reportedly overboard around 3 p.m. local time as the vessel sailed north from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, toward Great Stirrup Cay. The Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center coordinated a swift search and rescue operation, assisted by vessels in the area. Unfortunately, the search was considered unsuccessful, and the authorities gave the ship permission to continue its journey.
The individual, who was traveling with family and a larger group, has not been identified publicly. Norwegian Cruise Line reported that the family is being given all the necessary support during this difficult time.
Passengers on the Norwegian Epic took photos and videos on social media to document what happened next after the mishap, and how the crew was struggling to find a missing guest on board. The videos shared included one marking the vessel’s position while using flares during its search; other videos captured passengers scanning the ocean since the ship circulated the area.
And to make it even somber, the vessel has been diverted to Nassau instead.This event increases safety scrutiny for cruise lines. Even as this is an extremely unusual incident, the necessity to put in tight control to prevent this tragedy again remains acute.
The Norwegian Epic had started its seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral, Florida earlier that week. So far, the cruise line hasn’t commented further about the details surrounding the accident.
This is the second cruise ship-related tragedy this month, as another passenger died on a different Caribbean voyage. The authorities are still investigating the incidents.
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