This story has been updated after the search was suspended. You can find the latest story here.
A search is currently underway for a 66-year-old woman who fell overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas during a Taylor Swift cruise near Nassau, Bahamas.
The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately 17 miles from Nassau, while the vessel was en route to Royal Caribbean’s private island Perfect Day at CocoCay.
According to a guests onboard, the ship’s crew called a code Oscar shortly after the woman was reported missing and the ship retraced course.
Read More: What Happens During a Man Overboard?
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Radio, “Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities. We are also providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”
Search Operations Continue for Missing Cruise Passenger
Search operations involving the U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, and rescue boats were launched. An HC-144 airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter were dispatched to assist in the search. Sister Oasis-class ship, Utopia of the Seas, also helped scan the area.
As of Wednesday morning, the search was ongoing, with Coast Guard ships and planes continuing to search the area.
After a few hours, the Allure of the Seas was cleared to continue its itinerary, but this marks the 15th man overboard case in the cruise industry this year.
The cruise departed from Miami on Monday and included a day in Nassau before heading toward Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Though the cruise had a Taylor Swift theme, the artist was not associated with the sailing and did not endorse the sailing.
What happens when a man goes overboard?
When a man overboard is reported on a cruise ship, the crew immediately triggers a code Oscar, signaling a rescue effort. The ship will stop or slow down, launch rescue boats, and notify nearby vessels and authorities. The ship may also coordinate with the Coast Guard, using helicopters and planes to aid in the search.
Royal Caribbean’s last reported man overboard was on Explorer of the Seas in August.
