Overboard Pacific Tasman Sea · 22 November 2025
73-Year-Old Passenger Overboard from Disney Wonder in the Tasman Sea – 22 November 2025
Key facts
- Vessel
- MS Disney Wonder
- Operator
- Disney Cruise Line
- Type
- Ocean-going cruise ship
- Flag/Registry
- The Bahamas
- Route
- Australia–New Zealand itinerary
- Destination
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Status
- One of Disney Cruise Line's final departures in the Australia–New Zealand region for the 2025–2026 season
- Deaths
- 1
What happened
On 22 November 2025, a 73-year-old male passenger from Moonee Ponds, Victoria, was reported overboard from MS Disney Wonder in the early hours while the ship was sailing through the Tasman Sea en route to Auckland, New Zealand. Despite an extensive five-hour search operation involving thermal imaging and visual search teams, the individual was not located.
Victoria Police has confirmed the overboard report and is coordinating with maritime authorities. Standard post-incident procedures including CCTV review, keycard log analysis, and witness interviews are underway.
Details of the rescue
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, crew members were alerted that a passenger had gone overboard. The bridge immediately launched man-overboard protocols and marked the vessel's last-known position. MS Disney Wonder executed a full turn and conducted a comprehensive search of the surrounding waters for approximately five hours. Crew deployed thermal imaging technology and visual search teams along the rails and observation decks. Passengers were kept informed via announcements throughout the operation. The captain subsequently informed guests that the search had been unsuccessful and the ship would resume course toward New Zealand.
Passengers and crew
Passenger
- One 73-year-old male passenger from Moonee Ponds, Victoria, reported overboard.
Onboard population
- Crew members were visibly affected by the incident, consistent with the tight-knit environment typical of Disney Cruise Line vessels.
Casualties
Fatalities
- One passenger missing and not located following the search operation.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- None; the missing passenger was not recovered.
Current status
MS Disney Wonder resumed course toward Auckland, New Zealand, with arrival now expected to be delayed by one day. No further details about the passenger's identity or circumstances leading to the overboard event have been released. Victoria Police and maritime authorities continue their investigation and review of evidence.
Contact and assistance
- Victoria Police: 131 444 (non-emergency) or 000 (emergency)
- Disney Cruise Line Guest Services: 1300 139 500 (Australia)
If you were on board
Cruise ticket terms often set short deadlines for notice and claims, and may name a court overseas. Get advice early.
General information only, not legal advice.