Overboard Americas Caribbean · 17 December 2024
23-Year-Old Crew Member Overboard from Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas: Incident on 17 December 2024
What happened
On 17 December 2024, a 23-year-old crew member went overboard from Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas during a Southern Caribbean cruise. The vessel immediately activated its "Code OSCAR" overboard emergency protocol and deployed rescue boats; however, the missing crew member could not be located. The U.S. Coast Guard assumed command of the search operation, and the Vision of the Seas continued its voyage to Baltimore, Maryland.
The missing crew member was a Mauritian national serving as part of the ship's maintenance team. Search efforts were hampered by rough seas and suspended due to darkness.
Details of the rescue
Upon discovery of the overboard incident, the Vision of the Seas immediately activated its "Code OSCAR" protocol and deployed rescue boats. Passengers witnessed the search efforts, which were conducted in rough sea conditions. The search was eventually suspended due to darkness. The U.S. Coast Guard took over the search operation, allowing the cruise ship to resume its passage to Baltimore.
Passengers and crew
Crew
- Missing crew member: 23-year-old Mauritian national, maintenance team member.
Casualties
Fatalities
- One crew member missing and presumed lost at sea.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- None. Search operation did not result in recovery.
Emergency response
The Vision of the Seas activated its overboard emergency protocol immediately upon discovery and deployed rescue boats. The U.S. Coast Guard was notified and assumed command of the search operation. Rescue efforts were conducted in rough sea conditions and suspended due to darkness.
Current status
The Vision of the Seas resumed its voyage to Baltimore, Maryland following the handover of search operations to the U.S. Coast Guard. The missing crew member remains unrecovered.