Spanish maritime authorities have launched a major air and sea search after a 76-year-old British cruise passenger reportedly went overboard from Marella Explorer 2 in waters north of the Canary Islands.
The incident occurred while the ship was sailing from Madeira towards the Canary Islands, with the alarm raised after the passenger was seen entering the water.
Emergency Response Activated at Sea
Spain’s maritime rescue service confirmed the search began immediately and resumed at first light the following morning.
“It has been confirmed he went overboard and is aged 76. The search for him started yesterday and is continuing today,” a spokesperson said.
Once alerted, the ship’s captain slowed the vessel and activated emergency procedures, which included:
- Reviewing onboard CCTV footage
- Deploying marker buoys
- Carrying out circular search patterns
Search Focused Off Tenerife Coast
According to local reports, the incident took place around 16 nautical miles off Punta de Teno, on the north-west coast of Tenerife.
Rescue teams deployed:
- Two specialist search vessels
- An emergency helicopter
The operation is being made more difficult by deep waters and strong currents, which authorities say can reach around two knots in the area.
So far, officials have confirmed that no trace of the missing passenger has been found.
TUI Confirms Overboard Incident
TUI, which operates Marella Cruises, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time,”
TUI statement
TUI added that a care team is supporting the passenger’s family and that the cruise line is fully cooperating with local authorities as the search continues.
Investigation Ongoing
Search operations remain active, with Spanish authorities continuing coordinated efforts by air and sea. No further details about the circumstances of the incident have been released.
The ship was en route through a remote stretch of ocean when the incident occurred, where rescue efforts are often complicated by currents, depth and weather conditions.
Authorities have not confirmed how long the search will continue.
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