Major Search Operation Launched for British Cruise Passenger
A large-scale search and rescue mission is currently in progress after a British man fell from a cruise ship sailing in the waters around the Canary Islands. The incident involves the Marella Explorer 2, a vessel operated by the well-known British holiday company, TUI.
The alarm was raised on Thursday morning when the 76-year-old passenger was reported overboard. At the time of the incident, the ship was en route to the island of La Gomera, one of the smaller islands in the Spanish archipelago located off the north-west coast of Africa.
Details of the Overboard Incident
According to official reports, the Spanish coastguard received a direct alert from the cruise ship at 9.48am local time. The vessel's position was given as approximately 16.5 nautical miles north-west of Punta de Teno, Tenerife, pinpointing the location where the passenger entered the water.
In an official statement released by Marella Cruises, the company expressed its profound sadness. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera," the statement read. The company confirmed it is cooperating fully with the local authorities who are leading the search effort.
Response from the Cruise Line and Support for Family
Marella Cruises has confirmed that its primary focus is on supporting the family of the missing individual during what it describes as an extremely difficult time. The company has mobilised its dedicated care team to provide immediate assistance and comfort to the passenger's loved ones onboard.
"Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time," the statement continued. "We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support." The cruise line has pledged its ongoing cooperation as the search operation continues off the coast of Tenerife.
