Search for Missing Cruise Passenger Suspended Overnight
A major search and rescue operation has been stood down for the night after a 76-year-old British cruise passenger fell from a ship near the Canary Islands.
The incident occurred on Thursday, November 27, at approximately breakfast time. The man was aboard the Marella Explorer 2, a vessel operated by TUI, when he was seen entering the water.
The ship, which was on passage to La Gomera, immediately initiated emergency procedures. Passengers reported hearing an alarm followed by a repeated announcement: "man overboard, man overboard, man overboard."
Passenger Account of the Sombre Onboard Atmosphere
Lesley-Anne Kelly, a 40-year-old passenger from Dundee who was travelling with her mother, described the moment the alarm was raised. "We were having breakfast when an alarm came on followed by someone’s voice saying repeatedly 'man overboard'", she recalled.
Ms Kelly stated that crew members swiftly filed out to keep watch, and the Coastguard arrived on the scene about thirty minutes after the initial announcement.
The ship's planned docking at La Gomera was cancelled as it remained grounded to assist with the search. A marker was deployed in the water, and the vessel held its position until given permission to leave by the Coastguard.
"It was pretty sombre last night, especially after the announcement that they were standing down the search," Ms Kelly said, describing the mood onboard. She added that the incident was witnessed by multiple people, given the time of day and the fact that many passengers were up and about.
Extensive Search Operation Involving Multiple Assets
The search effort was extensive, involving a boat, plane, and helicopters. However, as darkness fell at around 7.30pm, the captain announced that the active search had been stood down for the night, with intentions to resume in the morning.
The Marella Explorer 2 eventually moved from its search position at around 2am on Friday, November 28.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Marella Cruises said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time."
The company confirmed that its care team is supporting the man's family and that they are working closely with local authorities. Passengers were also informed that witnesses to the incident were being interviewed.
