The frantic search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who went overboard has been called off.
A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed to Fox News Digital that a 51-year-old passenger went overboard from the Norwegian Epic late Thursday afternoon.
The incident was first reported at approximately 3 p.m. as the Norwegian Epic was sailing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, en route to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
The passenger was traveling with family, according to the spokesperson. The cruise departed from Port Canaveral, Florida on Saturday, Dec. 21, for a seven-night voyage through the Western Caribbean.
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The cruise line reported that authorities were quickly notified, and search and rescue efforts were immediately initiated.
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After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, authorities released the ship to continue its voyage, as stated by the spokesperson.
Norwegian Cruise Line mentioned that the passenger’s loved ones on board were “being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.
The Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020, features 19 decks and accommodates up to 4,070 passengers, with double occupancy in its cabins, along with a crew of 1,724 members.
As of now, it remains unclear what led to the man going overboard, and he has not yet been identified.
