Passenger Missing (Overboard) on Symphony Of The Seas: October 29, 2023

Introduction

On October 29, 2023, a distressing incident unfolded as a male passenger went missing, falling overboard from the cruise ship Symphony Of The Seas while en route from Barcelona to Valencia. This alarming event prompted immediate action, with the ship initiating a search and rescue operation. Tragically, the passenger’s whereabouts remain unknown. The voyage continued its course as scheduled, while the search efforts continued.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 PM local time in Spain (10:30 PM UTC) when the ship’s PA system broadcasted code “Oscar Oscar Oscar,” indicating a “man overboard” situation. In response to the distress call, the vessel swiftly executed a turnaround maneuver and launched rescue boats to begin the search and rescue operation.

Approximately one hour later, the ship’s Master, Captain Rob Hempstead, provided updates to passengers, confirming the ongoing search efforts but with no sign of the missing passenger. The individual, reportedly in his 60s, had vanished overboard, prompting concerns for his safety. Despite exhaustive search attempts, his whereabouts remained unknown.

Operational Context

The incident transpired at the commencement of a 14-day Transatlantic repositioning crossing from Europe to the USA, spanning from October 29 to November 12. The voyage’s itinerary included scheduled stops in Spain, with visits to Valencia on October 30 and Cadiz-Sevilla on November 1, before concluding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The cruise also included a port call in the Bahamas, with a scheduled visit to Nassau on November 11.