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A WOMAN fell overboard from a cruise ship shortly after it departed from Florida.
The 77-year-old retiree is feared to be deceased after authorities suspended the search operation following several hours of searching, as reported by the US Coast Guard.
She was aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship (stock image)Credit: Getty
She was on the Holland America Line cruise ship named Nieuw Statendam, which was navigating off the coast of Cuba when the incident occurred, according to authorities.
Multiple teams were deployed to search for her on Thursday, utilizing both sea and air resources.
They covered an area of 690 square miles, and after approximately eight hours, they decided to end the search, as reported by WFLA.
Holland America Line initially stated: “The captain and crew initiated search and rescue procedures and are actively searching the area in close coordination with the US Coast Guard, which has dispatched a cutter and helicopter to assist.”
The Coast Guard later updated on Thursday that they have suspended the search for the woman “pending the emergence of new information.”
The Nieuw Statendam set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 27 for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, according to Holland America Line.
As a result of the search operation, the ship's scheduled stop in Key West, Florida, on Friday was canceled, as confirmed by the cruise line.
The Nieuw Statendam measures 975 feet in length and approximately 115 feet in width, with the capacity to accommodate nearly 2,700 guests, according to the company's website.
A typical trip offered by the company on this ship includes a seven-day Caribbean excursion priced at around $600.
The company has been in operation for over 150 years and services more than 300 ports across all seven continents.
This is breaking news… please stay tuned for further updates…
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the woman who fell overboard?
A 77-year-old woman fell overboard from the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship and is feared dead after a search was called off by the Coast Guard.
What was the status of the search operation?
The search operation covered 690 square miles but was suspended after approximately eight hours due to a lack of new information.
What are the details of the cruise?
The Nieuw Statendam departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 27 for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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