Cruise Horror: 77-Year-Old Woman Goes Overboard Near Cuba

A New Year’s Day cruise turned tragic after a 77-year-old woman went overboard from a Holland America Line ship near Cuba — and after hours of desperate searching, the U.S. Coast Guard has suspended rescue efforts.

According to U.S. Coast Guard Southeast, the unidentified passenger disappeared roughly 40 miles northeast of the Sabana-Camagüey archipelago while sailing aboard the Nieuw Statendam.

“The USCG suspended its searches for a missing 77-year-old woman who went overboard the cruise ship Nieuw Statendam Thursday, pending the development of new information,” the agency said in a statement shared on X.

Coast Guard crews searched for approximately eight hours, covering nearly 690 square miles of open water. The effort included the cutter William Trump and MH-60 helicopter crews launched from Air Station Clearwater.

Holland America Line confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the woman went overboard while the ship was sailing in waters north of Cuba. The captain and crew immediately initiated search-and-rescue procedures and coordinated with the Coast Guard.

“After a daylong search, efforts were suspended at sundown,” the cruise line said. “Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

As a result of the emergency search, the ship’s planned stop in Key West on January 2 was canceled.

The Nieuw Statendam, which can carry around 2,700 guests, departed Fort Lauderdale on December 27. The voyage included stops in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic, according to CruiseMapper. The ship was en route to Key West when the woman disappeared.

No additional details have been released about how the woman went overboard, and her identity has not been made public. Authorities said the search could resume if new information becomes available.

The incident adds to a growing list of cruise ship tragedies that have raised fresh questions about onboard safety — especially as ships sail crowded holiday itineraries through busy international waters.