Search Called Off for Man Who Went Overboard Port Canaveral Homeported Norwegian Epic

Ship departed Port Canaveral in Brevard County on Saturday, Dec. 21.

BREVARD COUNTY • ORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – The search for a 51-year-old passenger who fell overboard from the Norwegian Epic has officially been called off, according to a Norwegian Cruise Line official.

The man went overboard late Thursday afternoon, around 3 p.m., as the ship was sailing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

The passenger on the cruise with his family went overboard during the vessel’s seven-night Western Caribbean voyage, which had departed Port Canaveral in Brevard County on Saturday, Dec. 21.

According to a Norwegian Cruise Line official, authorities were immediately notified, and search and rescue operations were swiftly launched, assisted by Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam out of Port Everglades.

However, despite an extensive search, which lasted several hours, the effort was unsuccessful.

“After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities to continue its voyage,” the spokesperson said.

The incident has left passengers and crew shaken, and the cruise line confirmed that the loved ones of the missing man onboard are receiving emotional support during this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this challenging situation,” said the spokesperson.

Built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020, the Epic, which belongs to the Epic class of ships, boasts impressive specifications, including a gross tonnage of 155,873 GT, a length of 1,081 feet, and a height of 200 feet. With 19 decks, the ship can accommodate 4,100 passengers (based on double occupancy) and 1,724 crew members.

The ship, which is at Port Canaveral for the 2023-2024 winter season, was on a Western Caribbean itinerary at the time of the incident, and it is currently continuing its journey after being cleared by authorities.

The cause of the man’s fall overboard has not been disclosed, and his identity has not been released.

This tragic event comes as the cruise industry grapples with high-profile incidents in recent years. The Norwegian Epic is known for its luxury amenities, but this incident highlights the risks and challenges cruise lines face when accidents occur at sea.

The search efforts were coordinated with local authorities, but after the unsuccessful attempt to locate the missing passenger, the decision was made to resume the ship’s voyage.

Norwegian Cruise Line has pledged to continue offering support to the family of the missing passenger. The company has asked for privacy for the family during this difficult time.

Similar Stories