Passenger Missing (Overboard) on Norwegian Pearl from The Bahamas to Florida: 3 November 2023

On 3 November 2023, a 41-year-old male passenger went overboard from the cruise ship Norwegian Pearl while the vessel was navigating off the coast of Kent, England. The U.S. Coast Guard and UK maritime authorities launched an immediate search and rescue operation; however, the passenger could not be located despite exhaustive efforts spanning several hours.

The incident occurred during a 4-day "Headbangers Boat Cruise" themed voyage. HM Coastguard, the RNLI, and nearby vessels including AIDAperla assisted in the search before operations were called off at approximately 6:30 PM local time.

The passenger overboard was reported at approximately 9:00 AM BST (8:00 AM UTC) on 3 November 2023. The U.S. Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue operation, deploying a rescue helicopter from HM Coastguard Airbase in Lydd and a Beechcraft King Air fixed-wing aircraft. The RNLI dispatched lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover to the scene. Captain Boris Becker informed passengers of the situation via the ship's PA system at 10:45 AM local time, and Norwegian Pearl altered course toward the search area approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) away. AIDAperla, another vessel in the vicinity, arrived to assist at 1:30 PM (12:30 UTC). Despite coordinated efforts by multiple agencies and vessels, the search was called off at around 6:30 PM (17:30 UTC) with no sign of the missing passenger.

Passengers

• Approximately 41-year-old male passenger overboard; vessel capacity and total passenger count not specified in source.

Crew

• Captain Boris Becker (Master) and crew onboard; specific crew count not provided.

Fatalities

• 1 passenger missing and presumed deceased.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• None; search operation concluded without locating the missing passenger.

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the search and rescue operation following notification at approximately 9:00 AM BST. HM Coastguard (UK) deployed a rescue helicopter from Lydd Airbase and a Beechcraft King Air fixed-wing aircraft. The RNLI dispatched lifeboats from Ramsgate and Dover. Norwegian Pearl altered course immediately upon the report, and AIDAperla, a nearby vessel, diverted to assist. The coordinated multi-agency response continued for several hours before being called off at approximately 6:30 PM local time.

The circumstances surrounding the passenger's disappearance remain unclear. The search operation was concluded without locating the missing individual. The vessel continued its voyage following the incident.