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Introduction
On the evening of June 10, 2024, a tragic incident occurred on the MSC Musica cruise ship when a male crew member intentionally jumped overboard shortly after the vessel departed Civitavecchia, Italy. Despite an extensive search and rescue effort, the crew member was not found.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded as MSC Musica was beginning its 7-day “Mediterranean Cruise” itinerary. Upon discovering the crew member overboard, the ship’s personnel immediately initiated the Man Overboard (MOB) procedure, altering course to return to the estimated location of the incident. A search and rescue operation was launched, involving the ship’s resources as well as a rescue helicopter and multiple patrol boats deployed by the Italian Coast Guard. Despite a 3-hour intensive search, the crew member’s body was not recovered.
Operational Context
The crew member’s identity has not been publicly disclosed. MSC Cruises confirmed that the incident was an intentional act based on CCTV footage. The cruise continued as scheduled after the search was called off, with subsequent stops in Genoa, Cannes, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Cagliari. The tragic event highlights the importance of mental health support and awareness within the maritime industry.