A frantic search and rescue operation is currently underway after a passenger on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas plunged 100 feet into the Adriatic Sea. The incident occurred during the early morning hours of August 9th, which was believed to be the final day of a 7-day cruise departing from Greece.
The passenger, thought to be a British citizen, went overboard under circumstances that remain unclear. When alerted, the ship’s crew quickly initiated emergency protocols and contacted local authorities to begin the search effort.
The search is focused near the remote island of Jabuka, where water temperatures are around 24°C (75°F). Due to these relatively warm conditions, authorities have extended their search window by 12-hour intervals, providing hope for a potential rescue.
Typically, search efforts for overboard passengers last between 48 to 72 hours, depending on factors such as water temperature and currents. In this case, the warmer waters have allowed for an extended search period.
The Explorer of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class, can accommodate just over 3,000 passengers at full capacity. Launched in 2000, the ship has been a popular choice for cruises in the Mediterranean region.
As the search continues, the cruise industry and passengers alike are holding their breath, hoping for a positive outcome. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers at sea, even on modern cruise ships equipped with extensive safety measures.
Royal Caribbean has not released any additional details about the passenger or the circumstances surrounding the incident, likely to protect the privacy of those involved and to avoid speculation while the search is ongoing.
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