Frantic search for overboard cruise passenger
The US coast guard is currently engaging in a frantic search of waters in and around the Bahamas, where a cruise ship passenger went overboard this week.
According to a statement from Carnival Cruise Lines, Rina Patel, a 32-year-old woman of Interlaken, New York, was on the 11th deck of the Carnival Ecstasy as the ship passed near the island of Grand Bahama, before she reportedly jumped overboard.
Emergency procedures were initiated immediately and US coast guard aircraft and ships are now searching an area about 43 kilometres southwest of Grand Bahama.
While initial reports have many fearing the worse, a recent story of a tourist who survived 32 hours at sea after falling from a Royal Caribbean ship cruising from China to Japan have some parties optimistic that a positive outcome can still be reached.
In the Carnival Cruise Line statement, the cruise line said, “The company’s CareTeam is providing assistance and support to the missing guest’s family on board and our thoughts and prayers are with her and family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Our thoughts are with Rina’s family. We’ll update as more details come to light, but here’s hoping for a positive outcome.
Image credit: Facebook / WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News
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