The normally smooth voyage on Norwegian Cruise Line turned fatal as one 51-year-old male passenger was washed overboard into the deep waters on the way to the Bahamas. The incident happened at about 3pm Thursday with the involvement of the Norwegian Epic, which was on course from Ocho Rios of Jamaica to Great Stirrup Cay.
This provoked an immediate activation of all the emergency protocols as the crew immediately alerted the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center. While there were mounted searches, they proved unsuccessful. Eventually, the ship, having being discharged by the authorities, resumed its journey.
The man-overboard incident included a person traveling as part of a family group, it is understood, and Norwegian Cruise Line representatives have since told CBC that they are supporting the family at this time.
Search Operation Highlights
The crew and passengers of the Norwegian Epic have been witnesses to the whole operation in search of the person. The ship circled the reported area of the incident, shooting off flares to mark its last known position. Passengers on board captured the somber scene and shared videos on social media showing the efforts of the ship to trace the missing person.
The cruise liner had left from Port Canaveral, Florida, on a seven-night Western Caribbean cruise. It is now headed to Nassau, having changed its route.
Impact on Fellow Passengers
The mood was vastly different on board following the incident, with passengers saying they were worried and saddened as the situation unfolded. Videos surfaced Sunday showing guests out on deck peering into the vast ocean while the search continued. A cruise is generally touted as a vacation of relaxation and enjoyment, but this is an incident that underlines risks and emergencies that can suddenly emerge.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Response
Norwegian Cruise Line has assured the public of its commitment to safety and the well-being of passengers. The company, in a statement, reiterated that appropriate action was taken right away upon the report of an overboard passenger. It is giving care to the involved family and fully cooperating with the authorities investigating the incident.
This terrible incident will scar the minds of those who were onboard Norwegian Epic and is a very sobering moment for the cruise industry-a reminder of the vigilance and quick response to any emergency at sea.
