A 73-year-old passenger has died after going overboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship during a voyage across the Tasman Sea. The man, a resident of Melbourne, Australia, was reported missing in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting an extensive search operation before the ship resumed its course to New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- A 73-year-old male passenger from Melbourne is believed to have died after falling from the Disney Wonder.
- The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday while the ship was in the Tasman Sea.
- The ship's crew conducted a search and rescue operation for more than five hours.
- Victoria Police have stated they are not treating the death as suspicious.
- The cruise ship's arrival in Auckland is expected to be delayed by a full day.
Incident Occurs During Trans-Tasman Crossing
The Disney Wonder was on a five-day, one-way itinerary that departed from Melbourne on November 20, bound for Auckland, New Zealand. The man was reported missing from the vessel around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23.
Following the report, the ship’s crew immediately initiated search and rescue protocols. The vessel, which has a capacity for over 1,750 guests, was turned around to retrace its path in the Tasman Sea as part of the emergency response.
Crew members utilized the ship's surveillance cameras and thermal imaging technology in an attempt to locate the missing passenger. The search continued for more than five hours before being called off.
A Somber Atmosphere Onboard
Passengers on the Disney Wonder were informed of the situation by the ship's captain. One passenger, Mitch Talbot, described the mood on the vessel following the announcement.
"The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger, who had fallen overboard ... (but) that they were unable to find them," Talbot said. "It was quite sombre, and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day. A lot of the staff kind of took some time."
Official Investigation and Voyage Impact
Authorities have begun to release information regarding the incident. In a statement issued on Sunday, Victoria Police addressed the circumstances of the man's death.
"It is understood the man died after he jumped from a cruise liner into waters in the Tasman Sea on Saturday, about 4.30am," the police statement noted. Officials confirmed that they are not treating the death as suspicious.
The significant time dedicated to the search operation has altered the ship's schedule. The Disney Wonder is now expected to arrive in Auckland one day later than originally planned, impacting the conclusion of the five-day journey for all passengers onboard.
Cruise Ship Man Overboard Incidents
Man overboard (MOB) incidents are a serious concern in the cruise industry. Cruise lines have established protocols that include immediate notification, ship maneuvering for search patterns, and the deployment of rescue boats. Modern ships are equipped with advanced surveillance and detection systems to aid in these rare but critical events.
Support and Resources
This incident highlights the importance of mental health resources available to the public. Support is available for individuals experiencing distress or struggling to cope.
In the USA, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access confidential support. In the UK and ROI, the Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123. For those in other countries, Befrienders Worldwide provides a directory of local support services at befrienders.org.
Disney Cruise Line has not yet issued a public comment on the matter.
