A search operation is actively ongoing for a passenger who went overboard from a cruise ship near Brisbane. The incident occurred on Friday night, involving a man in his 70s who fell from the Carnival Splendor approximately 30 kilometers northeast of Moreton Island.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses reported that the man apparently climbed over the safety railing before jumping into the water. The Carnival Cruise spokesperson confirmed that he was traveling with family, who quickly alerted the crew to his absence. A review of CCTV footage verified the guest’s actions prior to the fall.
- Incident Date: Friday night
- Cruise Ship: Carnival Splendor
- Location: 30 km northeast of Moreton Island
The ship was en route from Moreton Island to Sydney when the incident took place. Carnival has stated that they will cooperate with authorities during their investigation once the ship returns to Sydney. Meanwhile, the cruise line’s Care Team is offering support to the passenger’s family, conveying their thoughts and prayers.
Related Incident on the Same Day
Earlier on Friday, another incident was reported involving a 67-year-old woman who drowned near Moreton Island. Police stated she was found unresponsive near the wrecks around 11:46 AM. Efforts to revive her were unsuccessful, and she was declared deceased on the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, though it has been confirmed that the two incidents are unrelated.
Search and Rescue Operations
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has been notified about the missing person case. They are leading the search and rescue efforts, which include:
- Challenger jets from Melbourne and Cairns
- Five rescue helicopters from Brisbane
- Six vessels coordinated with Queensland Police
A spokesman from AMSA stated that the search is ongoing, but no further details are available at this time. Efforts continue as teams work diligently to locate the missing passenger.
