URGENT UPDATE: A 73-year-old man is missing and presumed dead after falling overboard from the Disney Wonder cruise ship in the Tasman Sea. This tragic incident occurred around 4:30 AM local time on Saturday, as confirmed by 7 News Australia.
Authorities report that the man, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, is believed to have jumped from the cruise liner into the waters. A police spokeswoman stated that the circumstances surrounding the fall do not appear suspicious. The ship’s crew conducted an extensive search for approximately five hours, but unfortunately, the efforts were unsuccessful.
Witnesses aboard the Disney Wonder described the atmosphere on the ship as “a bit eerie” for the remainder of the day following the incident. Passengers expressed a mix of shock and sadness as the cruise continued its journey towards Auckland, New Zealand, now scheduled to arrive a day late due to the incident.
As the situation develops, the cruise line has not released further statements regarding support for the passengers or crew affected by this tragedy. The search operations have now been called off, as authorities shift their focus to the investigation and support for the man’s family.
This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with ocean travel and raises questions about safety protocols on cruise ships. As the story unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, and the impact on the cruise industry will be closely monitored.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
