Key Highlights
- A 76-year-old British tourist fell overboard from the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship near Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
- An urgent search operation involving maritime and aerial resources is currently underway to locate the missing man.
- The incident was reported on Thursday morning, with local authorities and the cruise line working closely together for assistance.
- Passengers recounted the moment they were informed of the emergency, describing a somber atmosphere aboard the ship.
Urgent Search Operation in Full Swing
An urgent search has been initiated after a 76-year-old British tourist fell overboard from the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship near Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. The incident was reported on Thursday morning and has prompted a comprehensive maritime operation involving multiple search vessels and an aircraft.
Incident Details
The Marella Explorer 2, which is operated by Tui Cruises, was en route from Funchal in Madeira to San Sebastian de La Gomera when the accident occurred. A spokesperson for the cruise line confirmed that a passenger had been seen entering the water while the ship was passing through this area.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera,” said the spokesperson. “Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time.” The company added that its dedicated care team is currently supporting the family, offering assistance and comfort.
Search Efforts
The Spanish coastguard was first alerted to the incident at 9:48 AM on Thursday. At that time, the ship was located approximately 16.5 miles northwest of Punta Teno. A maritime and aerial operation has since been launched, involving a helicopter, two search vessels, and an aircraft.
According to local news website Voz Populi, the Marella Explorer 2 had docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife around 2:40 AM local time. The ship’s crew was reportedly on high alert as they kept watch over the area where the man entered the water.
Passenger Lesley-Anne Kelly, who lives in Dundee and was traveling with her mother, shared that she and others were informed of the incident during breakfast. “An alarm came on followed by someone’s voice saying repeatedly ‘Man overboard, man overboard, man overboard,'” she recounted. “Crew members then all filed out to keep watch, and the Coastguard arrived about half an hour after the announcement.” Kelly described the scene as somber, noting that interviews with witnesses were taking place.
Timeline of Events
The search operation was resumed in the morning due to ongoing efforts. By 7:30 PM on Thursday evening, it had been temporarily halted due to darkness. The captain informed passengers that a marker had been put down and that the ship would remain in position until further notice.
“It was pretty sombre last night, especially after the announcement that they were standing down the search,” said Kelly. “People had clearly seen it happen.” She emphasized that witnesses at breakfast time had reported multiple people being present on deck who could have observed the incident.
Background of Marella Explorer 2
The Marella Explorer 2 is described as an adults-only ship, launched 30 years ago. It boasts 907 cabins across 14 decks and offers a variety of amenities for guests, including ten bars, ten restaurants, a casino, a Broadway show lounge, and an open-air cinema.
The incident has drawn attention to the strict protocols in place on cruise ships and the vital role that quick response teams play during such emergencies. Passengers and crew members alike have been working together under the guidance of local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
