Overboard Americas Off Ocean Cay, Bahamas · 10 March 2026
Precautionary man overboard search on MSC Seashore – off Ocean Cay, Bahamas – 10 March 2026
What happened
The vessel departed Ocean Cay, Bahamas shortly before midnight as part of a 4-night itinerary. Not long after departure on 10 March 2026, a message circulating among passengers indicated that a male guest might have gone overboard from one of the ship’s public decks.
In response, the bridge team ordered a precautionary manoeuvre, turning the vessel back toward the area it had recently passed while crew members directed searchlights across the surrounding waters. The ship’s officers also initiated a technical review of onboard monitoring systems, examining surveillance camera video recordings and data from automated man-overboard detection equipment.
As an additional safety measure, passengers were requested to return to their cabins while the crew conducted a full verification of those on board. Using the electronic cruise card system, ship staff carried out a complete headcount to confirm the presence of both guests and crew.
Shortly after 1:00am, the vessel’s master informed passengers via the public address system that everyone aboard was accounted for and the earlier report was classified as a false alarm. The vessel then resumed its original course and continued its voyage toward Nassau as scheduled.
Injuries and casualties
- Fatalities: None reported
- Injuries: None reported
- Passengers Affected: Passengers were requested to return to their cabins during the verification process
Emergency response
- Shipboard precautionary search conducted, including a turn-back manoeuvre and use of searchlights
- Not specified
- Not specified
Investigation
A technical review was conducted by the ship’s officers, including examination of surveillance camera recordings and automated man-overboard detection equipment data. The review produced no evidence that a person had entered the water.
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) involvement: Not specified
- Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) involvement: Not specified
Operator response
Not specified
Conclusion
The precautionary operation concluded after a headcount confirmed all guests and crew were accounted for, and the report was classified as a false alarm. MSC Seashore resumed its original course and continued toward Nassau as scheduled, with no overboard incident reported.