A body has been recovered following a major search and rescue operation for a man believed to have gone overboard from a cruise ship off Scotland's east coast. HM Coastguard reported that a man went overboard from the vessel Ambition approximately 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath, Angus, at roughly 8.35am on Friday.
Police confirm body recovered
Police Scotland confirmed on Friday evening that a body had been retrieved. While formal identification has yet to be completed, police have notified the family of the missing man.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "Around 8.55am on Friday August 21 2026 we received a report that a man had gone overboard from a cruise ship in the North Sea, 40 nautical miles from Anstruther, Fife."
Search operation details
A search and rescue operation, carried out by police and partner agencies, has been ongoing and a body has been recovered. Formal identification is yet to take place however the family of the man who was reported missing has been informed.
The Coastguard confirmed that one of its helicopters and one of its aircraft participated in the search operation. A commercial search and rescue helicopter alongside nearby vessels also took part in the mission.
Passengers allowed to leave
Ambassador Cruise Line previously confirmed its ship was travelling from Lerwick to Dundee when a passenger could not be located. The vessel arrived in Dundee and passengers were permitted to leave following a comprehensive search throughout the entire ship.
An Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson said earlier: "Ambassador follows stringent search-and-rescue protocols in line with international maritime safety standards."
"We continue to work in close collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Police Scotland as the investigation continues. Ambassador remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our guests and crew."
Impact on schedule
As a result of this development, today's turnaround operation in Dundee was slightly delayed. However, guests due to travel on board Ambition should make their way to the port as per their embarkation schedule.
The Ambition had recently departed from Dundee to the Mediterranean on a 19-day solar eclipse cruise before making its return to Scotland on August 15. The ship is due to arrive at Northubrian Quay, North Shields, early tomorrow morning (Saturday, 22nd August) and due to depart later in the day, according to the Port of Tyne website.
