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Introduction
A passenger overboard incident was reported aboard the Windstar Cruises vessel Star Breeze while the ship was sailing near the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. The event occurred during a 14-day Tahiti itinerary and prompted immediate onboard emergency procedures and a coordinated maritime response.
Details of the Incident
Man-Overboard Alert:
- The ship sounded Code Oscar after it was determined that a passenger was missing.
- Local media reports indicate the individual is believed to be a 66-year-old U.S. citizen.
- The overboard event reportedly occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m.
Circumstances Under Review:
- Preliminary, unconfirmed accounts suggest the incident may have followed a domestic dispute.
- Authorities have emphasized that the exact circumstances remain under investigation and have not been formally confirmed.
Search and Rescue Response:
- Maritime authorities in French Polynesia were notified following the alarm.
- The French Navy patrol vessel Gardian was dispatched to assist in the search.
- Gardian arrived on scene at approximately 8:00 a.m. to support search operations.
Port Arrival and Investigation:
- After initial response efforts, Star Breeze continued to Hiva Oa, arriving later the same day.
- Upon arrival, police investigators boarded the vessel.
- Interviews with passengers and crew were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation.
Current Status:
- No official confirmation has been released regarding the outcome of the search.
- The passenger remains missing, and investigative proceedings are continuing.