The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has launched a search operation for a 77-year-old woman who fell overboard from a cruise ship as it sailed near the coast of Cuba, authorities announced on Thursday.
The incident took place aboard the Nieuw Statendam, a vessel operated by Holland America Line, approximately 40 miles northeast of Sabana, along Cuba's northern coastline, as reported by Telemundo 51.
Currently, the identity of the woman remains undisclosed, and the circumstances surrounding her fall are still under investigation.
According to maritime records, the Nieuw Statendam, measuring 975 feet in length and capable of accommodating nearly 2,700 passengers, departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on December 27.
The cruise itinerary included a stop in Key West on Friday before its scheduled return to Florida on Saturday.
The USCG announced via its official account on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that several units are involved in the search effort. These include the Cutter William Trump and MH-60 helicopters from the Clearwater Air Station, which are conducting aerial patrols over the area.
"Crews are actively searching for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard from the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship approximately 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba," stated the post, which was accompanied by images of the maritime operation.
The ship, owned by Holland America Line, is cooperating with U.S. authorities in the search and rescue missions.
The cruise line has not provided further details about the incident but emphasized that their main focus is to support the search efforts and offer assistance to the missing passenger's family.
U.S. authorities are maintaining active rescue protocols in collaboration with the cruise ship crew and the regional maritime surveillance system.
The area where the woman vanished presents challenging sea conditions, complicating search operations.
The Coast Guard noted that the operation will continue as long as there are prospects of locating the passenger.
"We remain committed to the search and rescue mission in the area," stated the southeastern district command of the USCG.
The Nieuw Statendam is one of the flagship vessels of Holland America Line, frequently navigating routes through the Caribbean and Central America.
Coast Guard Search and Rescue Operation Questions
What is the USCG's primary focus in this situation?
The primary focus of the USCG is the search and rescue mission to locate the missing 77-year-old woman who fell from the cruise ship near Cuba.
How is the Holland America Line ship assisting in the search?
The Holland America Line ship, Nieuw Statendam, is working closely with US authorities to support the search and rescue efforts.
What challenges are impacting the search efforts?
The search efforts are challenged by complex sea conditions in the area where the woman disappeared.