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Introduction
On February 21, 2025, a 32-year-old Filipino crew member, identified as Bueno Jeric, went overboard from the MSC Poesia, a vessel operated by MSC Cruises, shortly after departing Montevideo, Uruguay. The incident prompted a coordinated search and rescue operation involving the Uruguayan and Brazilian navies. As the ship transitioned into Brazilian waters, authorities worked tirelessly to locate the missing individual while investigating the circumstances surrounding the overboard incident. The MSC Poesia crew overboard incident highlights the challenges of maritime safety and emergency response in international waters.
Details of the Incident
The crew member was reported missing after failing to report for duty following the ship’s departure from Montevideo at 17:00 local time on Friday, February 21, 2025. Surveillance footage reviewed by ship officers revealed that Bueno Jeric was last seen on Deck 7, near the forward-portside liferaft station. Additional imagery from a bridge wing camera confirmed movement in the water, pinpointing the exact moment when the individual went overboard.
At the time of the incident, the MSC Poesia was approximately 13 nautical miles from Brazilian waters, en route to Camboriú, Brazil, with an expected arrival date of February 23. Upon detecting the overboard incident, the ship immediately contacted the Uruguayan Navy, which launched a search and rescue operation involving a patrol vessel and a reconnaissance aircraft. A helicopter was placed on standby, and navigational warnings were issued to vessels in the vicinity.
By Sunday, February 23, the Uruguayan Navy confirmed that the ship had identified the precise location and timing of the overboard incident. However, as the search area transitioned into Brazilian territorial waters, the Brazilian maritime authority assumed control of the operation. Uruguayan authorities were requested to continue their efforts within their jurisdiction to maximize the chances of locating the missing crew member.
Response and Impact
The Uruguayan and Brazilian navies have been actively involved in the search and rescue operation, deploying multiple assets to locate Bueno Jeric. The Uruguayan Navy utilized a patrol vessel and a reconnaissance aircraft, while Brazilian authorities took over coordination as the search moved into their territorial waters. Despite these efforts, the outcome of the operation remains uncertain, underscoring the difficulties of locating individuals in open water, particularly after prolonged exposure.
An investigation is currently underway to determine whether the overboard incident was accidental or deliberate. All available evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, has been secured onboard the MSC Poesia and will be submitted to relevant authorities for further examination.
The incident has raised concerns about crew safety and the effectiveness of overboard detection systems on modern cruise ships. While MSC Cruises has not issued a detailed statement, the company is cooperating fully with authorities and has pledged to support the ongoing investigation.
The disappearance of Bueno Jeric has also drawn attention to the risks faced by maritime workers, particularly those employed on large vessels operating in challenging conditions. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter safety protocols and improved monitoring technologies to prevent similar incidents in the future.