An elderly man appeared to jump overboard from the Carnival Splendor cruise ship just hours after another passenger from the same ship drowned during a snorkelling trip
An elderly passenger appeared to jump overboard on a cruise ship and is presumed dead – just hours after a woman from the same boat died.
The passenger went overboard from the Carnival Splendor while the ship was off the coast of Brisbane, Australia yesterday morning. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) launched a search and rescue mission, but it was sadly unsuccessful and the man is now presumed dead.
The ship’s PA system issued a ‘man overboard’ alert at 1.44am. Tracking data shows the vessel changed course at around 1.55am. Reports suggest the man’s family reported him missing to the crew.
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Carnival told 9News that CCTV footage showed the man climbing over the safety railing and jumping overboard. The search and rescue operation lasted for roughly 16 hours before it was suspended at 5.30pm.
An AMSA spokesperson said: “Following an intensive air and sea search involving multiple assets, the missing person was not located and AMSA has now released all assets from tasking.”
The ship was sailing from Moreton Island towards Sydney when the incident unfolded overnight. Carnival Cruise said it had alerted authorities.
A spokesperson said: “All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney. Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one.”
It comes after another passenger from the same ship drowned to death during a snorkelling trip.
The 67-year-old Tasmanian woman was found unresponsive in the water on Friday morning, police said.
Carnival Splendor can hold up to 3000 passengers and 1150 crew, spanning 952ft. It sails in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.
