Search for Missing Marella Voyager Passenger Suspended by US Coast Guard

A 72-year-old passenger on the Marella Voyager cruise ship, operated by TUI Group’s Marella Cruises, was reported missing while crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) suspended the search for the woman, citing low chances of survival and other factors.

According to the USCG, the woman was last seen on Monday, Nov. 9. Her absence was detected after routine cabin activities revealed her cabin and bed were undisturbed. The search was initiated when the missing-person procedures began. However, the Marella Voyager lacked sufficient fuel to return to aid the search efforts.

The last recorded access to the woman’s cabin occurred around midday on Nov. 9. A USCG statement detailed that search efforts began after the woman went missing, requiring cooperation among international rescue coordination centers. Challenges arose due to the location being approximately 500 nautical miles from the initial report site and delays between her last contact and the report to authorities.

The USCG suspended search efforts on Thursday, Nov. 11, at 3:47 p.m. local time. The decision was based on the extensive search area, challenges in the maritime broadcast results, sea conditions, and the low likelihood of survival.

A Marella Cruises representative expressed deep sadness over the incident and pledged support to the authorities and the family. As of now, there are no further comments from Marella Cruises.

The Marella Voyager departed from Malaga, Spain, on Nov. 4 for an 11-night cruise and plans to reach its final stop in Barbados on Nov. 15. St. John’s, Antigua, and Dominica are other scheduled stops. The ship has a capacity for 2,000 passengers and 900 crew members, consisting of 14 decks and 956 cabins, and took its first voyage in June 2023.