Major Search Operation Launched for British Cruise Passenger
A large-scale search and rescue mission is currently in progress in the Atlantic Ocean after a British man fell from a cruise ship sailing in the Canary Islands. The incident involves the Marella Explorer 2, a vessel operated by the British cruise company Marella Cruises, which is part of the TUI UK group.
The alarm was raised on Thursday morning when the 76-year-old passenger was reported overboard. The ship was en route to La Gomera, one of the smaller islands in the Spanish archipelago, at the time of the tragic event.
Coastguard Alert and Ship's Location
The Spanish coastguard confirmed it received a distress alert from the cruise ship at 9.48am local time on Thursday. The vessel was situated approximately 16.5 nautical miles north-west of Punta de Teno, Tenerife, when the passenger was reported missing. This location places the incident in the waters between Tenerife and its neighbouring island, La Gomera.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for Marella Cruises expressed the company's profound sadness, confirming that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on its passage. The statement extended the company's thoughts to the individual and their loved ones, describing this as a deeply difficult time.
Support for Family and Ongoing Investigation
Marella Cruises has deployed its dedicated care team to support the family of the missing man, offering them assistance and comfort. The company has also pledged its full cooperation with the local authorities who are leading the search operation. They have committed to providing every possible support as the situation develops.
The search, coordinated by the Spanish coastguard, continues in the area where the man was last seen. The circumstances that led to the passenger going overboard are not yet clear and will likely form a key part of the subsequent investigation.
