The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a crew member of a Norwegian cruise ship who fell overboard in the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The incident occurred late on Saturday night aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, which was traveling from Bermuda to Boston, approximately 12 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.
Search and Rescue Operations
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the fall, which was captured on the ship's security cameras, according to Norwegian Cruise Line. The exact circumstances of the fall are not yet known. The company stated, "Upon confirming the incident, the vessel immediately informed the United States Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Center, and a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated." The Coast Guard took over the search and rescue operation and released the vessel to continue its voyage. Searches were called off on Sunday just after 12 pm, pending new information, as confirmed by Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England.
Passenger and Crew Response
A passenger onboard reported that after the alarm was raised, a ship-wide announcement was made and lifeboats were deployed to assist in the search. Passengers also received a letter explaining the delayed arrival in Boston, stating, "Overnight and into the early morning hours, the ship remained engaged in search and rescue efforts following a man overboard situation, working closely with maritime authorities. These efforts required the vessel's full attention before the voyage could safely resume toward Boston."
The identity of the crew member who went overboard has not been released. Coast Guard crews from Southeastern New England and Provincetown participated in the search operations. The Independent has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and Norwegian Cruise Line for further comment. The company expressed that the safety, security, and well-being of their crew is their highest priority and extended thoughts to the crew member's family during this difficult time.
