Search Suspended for Man Overboard from Cruise Ship in Queensland Waters
The search for a man missing after falling from a cruise ship in Queensland has been suspended, authorities confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. The man, aged in his 70s, was reported overboard in waters northeast of Cape Moreton on Friday night while travelling on the Carnival Splendor cruise ship.
Incident Details and Initial Response
The alarm was raised after the man’s family was unable to find him and alerted staff aboard the ship as it travelled down the coast of Queensland. A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson stated on Saturday that Carnival Splendor was assisting authorities in searching for a guest who apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard as the ship sailed from Moreton Island towards Sydney overnight.
The male guest was travelling with family who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person, and a review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action, the spokesperson said at the time.
Extensive Search and Rescue Operation
The extensive search and rescue operation continued for three days, involving multiple organisations and volunteers. Key participants included Water Police, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), POLAIR, Queensland Government Air, Surf Life Saving Queensland Helicopters, Marine Rescue Bribie and Gold Coast, Redcliffe Coast Guard, merchant ships, the cruise line, and commercial aviation and marine vessels.
Despite these efforts, police announced the suspension of the search on Tuesday. Officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family, who have been advised of this update, police said.
Cruise Ship Continues Journey and Support for Family
The Carnival Splendor confirmed over the weekend that it made the decision to continue on its journey to Sydney. Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one, they said.
Related Incident on Same Cruise Ship
The man’s disappearance follows the death of a 67-year-old Tasmanian woman and passenger from the same ship only hours earlier. Police reported that the woman was found unresponsive in water near the Tangalooma shipwrecks, a popular snorkelling location, about 11.46am on Friday.
Attempts were made to revive the woman; however, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
