A British pensioner has fallen overboard from a TUI-operated cruise ship, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation off the Canary Islands. The incident occurred on the Marella Explorer 2, an adults-only vessel, as it sailed north of the archipelago on its way from Madeira to La Gomera.
Spanish coastguards and police launched a search early on Wednesday, deploying a helicopter, rescue boats, and the Salvamar Menkalinan and Salvamar Mizar vessels. The ship's captain slowed the vessel to near-stop and initiated protocol procedures, including reviewing cameras and launching marker buoys. A German-flagged yacht also responded to the SOS call.
Marella Cruises expressed deep sadness in a statement, confirming that a guest was seen entering the water. A dedicated care team is supporting the family. The company said it is working closely with local authorities and offering every possible support.
The alarm was raised when the Marella Explorer 2 was approximately 16 nautical miles from Punta de Teno, Tenerife's northwestern point. The search resumed early on Thursday with the Helimer 201 helicopter and a Civil Guard helicopter. The Río Guadiato patrol boat from La Palma also joined the operation. Reports indicate the missing person has not been located.
The Malta-flagged ship, built in 1995, features ten bars, ten restaurants, an open-air cinema, and a Broadway-style theatre. It departed Tenerife on November 21 for a seven-day Canarian Flavours tour, with scheduled stops including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Madeira. The vessel arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife early Thursday.
