Passenger Death (Overboard) at Valletta's Grand Harbour on MSC World Europa: Incident on 14 February 2024

On 14 February 2024, a 72-year-old American male passenger died after falling overboard from the MSC World Europa while the vessel was docked in Valletta's Grand Harbour, Malta. The incident occurred at approximately 5 PM Malta time (4 PM UTC) during the ship's final port call of a 7-day Mediterranean itinerary. Despite immediate first aid efforts and rapid transportation to Mater Dei Hospital, the passenger was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The MSC World Europa is operated by MSC Cruises and was on the concluding day of its voyage, which had departed Barcelona on 9 February 2024. The circumstances leading to the overboard incident remain under investigation.

The passenger fell overboard into the sea at approximately 5 PM Malta time while the vessel was berthed in Valletta's Grand Harbour. Crew members responded promptly with first aid measures, and the passenger was rapidly transported to Mater Dei Hospital. Medical professionals were unable to prevent the fatal outcome, and the passenger was pronounced dead shortly after hospital admission.

Passenger involved

• 72-year-old American male

Fatalities

• 1 passenger (72-year-old American male)

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Passenger recovered from the water and transported to hospital; pronounced dead on arrival.

Crew members initiated immediate first aid measures following the overboard incident. The passenger was rapidly transported to Mater Dei Hospital in Valletta for emergency medical care. Despite professional medical assistance, the passenger could not be resuscitated.

The circumstances leading to the overboard incident remain under investigation. The MSC World Europa completed its port call in Valletta and the voyage concluded as scheduled.