American Cruise Passenger Missing After Going Overboard on Luxury Ship

A passenger aboard a luxury cruise ship is missing after reportedly going overboard in the South Pacific earlier this week, according to the cruise line.

Windstar Cruises confirmed that an American guest sailing on the Star Breeze was discovered missing on the morning of Monday, Jan. 19, while the ship was underway in the South Pacific.

In a statement, the cruise line said crew members “immediately conducted a full shipwide search” after realizing the passenger was unaccounted for.

“Windstar Cruises is deeply saddened to report that a guest aboard Star Breeze was confirmed missing earlier today in the South Pacific,” the company said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones.”

Following the discovery, the Star Breeze retraced its route in an effort to assist with a man-overboard search until naval aircraft arrived and took over aerial operations, Windstar said.

The cruise line added that it is fully cooperating with both Bahamian and French Polynesia authorities and is providing support to the missing passenger’s family during the search.

While Windstar did not release details about the individual, local outlet Tahiti Infos reported that the missing passenger is a 66-year-old American who is believed to have gone overboard around 2 a.m. local time on Jan. 19.

According to data from CruiseMapper, the ship was sailing near the Marquesas Islands at the time of the incident. The Star Breeze departed from Papeete on Jan. 15 and was en route to Nuku Hiva. The vessel is scheduled to return to Papeete on Jan. 28.

The Star Breeze operates year-round in French Polynesia, offering frequent voyages throughout the region. The ship can accommodate up to 312 passengers and 204 crew members.

Windstar Cruises is known for its boutique, small-ship luxury experiences and operates a fleet of six vessels. The company is owned by Xanterra Travel Collection.

Search efforts were ongoing at the time of the report.