The days-long search for a missing cruise guest in Alaska has concluded with the discovery of a body.
Authorities said search and rescue crews recovered the body around midday Thursday, which was found around 1,700 feet beneath the Gold Ridge ridgeline near Juneau.
It was first spotted by an Alaska Army National Guard Helicopter crew.
Marites Buenafe, a 62-year-old doctor from Kentucky, left a Norwegian Cruise Line ship earlier this week as it docked in Juneau, saying she planned to go hiking.
The last confirmed sighting of her at the time was when she left the ship.
When she failed to return to the ship a missing person alert was activated. Before leaving the Norwegian Bliss she told family members of plans to ride the Goldbelt Tramway up Mount Roberts and then hike the Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak.
She was later identified on CCTV footage at the Tramway.
Large Search and Rescue Operation Carried Out Over Two Days
Over two days, multiple agencies were involved in ground and aerial searches, including Juneau Mountain Rescue, Juneau Police, and the Southeast Alaska search and rescue canine team.
Additionally, helicopter and thermal drone searches were carried out but these were initially hampered by poor weather and low visibility.
Earlier this week, Alaska State Troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel said comprehensive resources were put into the search and rescue operation and remained confident of finding Buenafe alive.
McDaniel said her next of kin has been notified. “Troopers and Juneau Mountain Rescue were able to recover her body with the assistance of Temsco Helicopters and the National Guard,” Alaska State Troopers posted on Facebook.
A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line said the company made several attempts to contact their guest before the ship’s scheduled departure from Juneau.
“Our CARE team is now providing support to the guest’s family and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” NCL said.
