Princess Cruises have confirmed that a tragedy has occurred on one of their ships, the Regal Princess, after an individual who fell overboard was revealed to be a member of staff
The Regal Princess has confirmed a tragedy that is believed to have occurred on Monday (file)(Image: Getty Images)
A person has tragically died after falling from a major cruise ship just off the coast of Mexico on Monday (July 13). The Regal Princess, which started on its journey from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades in the US on Saturday (July 11), confirmed one of its crew members had fallen overboard.
Princess Cruises, who operates the ship, issued a statement regarding the incident after local authorities and crew of the Carnival Jubilee helped in the search and rescue operation.
Passengers were alerted to the horror incident as the ship sailed along the Cancun coast. The captain issued an announcement that someone had gone overboard, but it was unknown to holidaymakers that it was a member of staff at the time.
The Regal Princess is operated by Princess Cruises (file)(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Speaking to CBS News Miami, passenger David Jimenez said the search went on for around eight hours before they were told a crew member had sadly died.
He said: ““At times the ship slowed down and went in circles. Then they would come back and circle again. They are following procedures but kept people updated every hour.”
In a statement, the cruise operator said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew’s family and friends during this difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event.
A passenger on board said the search lasted around eight hours (file)(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts.”
The Regal Princess had been headed to Cozumel when passengers were informed of the incident.
The ship continued on with its journey despite the tragedy and is expected to dock in Belize later today (July 14).
It will also return to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday (July 18) following the short seven-day cruise around the Caribbean.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
