76-Year-Old Passenger Overboard from Marella Explorer 2 – November 27, 2025

Introduction
Spanish maritime authorities are conducting a large-scale search for a 76-year-old British passenger who went overboard from Marella Explorer 2 northwest of Tenerife on November 27, 2025. The disappearance occurred while the ship was sailing toward La Gomera during a 7-day Canary Islands itinerary.

Details of the Incident

Timeline and Initial Response:

• The alarm was raised shortly before 10:00 local time, prompting immediate activation of man-overboard procedures.
• Spanish Coast Guard assumed command of the operation and deployed rescue boats, two helicopters, and a dedicated maritime search aircraft.
• Marella Cruises confirmed the man was seen entering the sea as the ship transited in daylight.

Search and On-Scene Actions:

• Explorer 2 remained on station throughout the day to assist, conducting search patterns at the direction of SAR authorities.
• Search operations were paused at nightfall due to low visibility but resumed the next morning.
• The ship was later released to proceed to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, berthing in the early hours of Friday.

Passenger Accounts:

• Guests described breakfast service being abruptly interrupted by the man-overboard alarm and shipwide announcements.
• One traveller reported the captain addressed guests directly, explaining that the vessel was legally required to hold position while witnesses were interviewed and while SAR authorities coordinated the search.
• Passengers noted a subdued atmosphere onboard, with many aware the search was suspended overnight.
• Several guests reportedly witnessed the moment the passenger entered the water, as it occurred in daylight when many were already on deck.

Voyage Context:

• The vessel had departed Tenerife on November 21 for a 7-day Canary Islands circuit.
• Local reporting indicates the ship had been returning from Madeira at the time of the incident.

Family and Official Statements:

• Marella Cruises stated that it is providing support to the passenger’s family and cooperating with Spanish authorities.
• The UK Foreign Office reported it had not yet been approached for consular assistance as of the latest updates.

Search Status:

• The Spanish coastguard continues to lead ongoing search efforts, with assets operating across the zone northwest of Tenerife.
• The passenger has not been located, and the case remains an active missing-person and maritime SAR operation.