Search Underway for Woman Reported Overboard from Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

MIAMI, Fla. — A search is currently underway for a woman who reportedly went overboard from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Explorer of the Seas during its inaugural 1980s-themed cruise. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on March 2, the first evening of the seven-night voyage from Miami to the Bahamas.

Social media reports from passengers indicated that a crew announcement of a “man overboard” situation was made, activating immediate search efforts. One passenger detailed hearing the code “Oscar Oscar Oscar” overhead, a phrase used by crew to signal emergency situations involving individuals overboard.

The cruise was set to make stops at prominent destinations including Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Tracking data showed the ship reversing course to conduct the search operation. Nearby vessels, including the Norwegian Pearl and Carnival Sunrise, joined in to assist, using their spotlights to scan the waters.

A passenger on the Norwegian Pearl shared on social media, “We could see search lights in the water on multiple ships… a person is overboard.” Eyewitness accounts suggest the woman may have jumped from Deck 8 following an argument with her partner. Reddit user Sweet_Independent_50 recounted meeting the distressed husband, who called for help, stating, “My wife just jumped off the boat.”

Despite extensive search efforts, which included deploying a speedboat, no reports of locating the woman have surfaced. Statistics reveal the precarious nature of overboard incidents. According to a report by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), from 2009 to 2019, 212 overboard incidents were recorded, with only 48 individuals successfully rescued.

While the probability of rescue diminishes significantly once a person goes overboard, Royal Caribbean maintains safety protocols. The cruise line’s ships are outfitted with railings at least 42 inches high, in line with the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010. Additional barriers such as Plexiglas panels are installed to further reduce the risk of falls.

As rescue operations continued, Explorer of the Seas successfully arrived at its next scheduled port of Nassau, Bahamas, earlier this morning. The U.S. Coast Guard typically leads such search operations in U.S. waters; however, they have not yet released an official statement regarding this incident.

Investigations into the circumstances leading up to the incident will be conducted to understand how such events can transpire on a cruise ship, which is ostensibly designed with numerous safety measures in place. As the situation unfolds, the affected families are encouraged to stay in communication with cruise officials for updates.