A 77-year-old woman is missing after falling overboard from a Holland America Line ship on New Year’s Day, according to the United States Coast Guard.
The incident occurred on January 1 while the Nieuw Statendam was sailing in the eastern Caribbean, approximately 40 miles off the coast of Sabana, Cuba. Authorities have not released the woman’s identity.
Search-and-rescue efforts underway
The Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale on December 27 and was scheduled to return on January 3.
Following the incident, the ship’s captain and crew immediately initiated search-and-rescue procedures and began coordinating with the US Coast Guard. Multiple Coast Guard assets were deployed, including the Coast Guard Cutter William Trump and an MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater.
Authorities said the search area remains active as efforts continue to locate the missing passenger.
Cruise line issues statement
Holland America confirmed the incident in a statement shared with media outlets, saying the crew acted swiftly after the woman went overboard.
“Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time,” the company said.
Key West stop canceled
As a result of the ongoing search, the ship’s planned port stop in Key West on January 2 was canceled, according to reports from CBS News and the Orlando Sentinel.
The ship remains engaged in coordination with authorities as the investigation proceeds.
Circumstances remain unclear
Neither Holland America nor the Coast Guard has released details about how or why the woman went overboard. Officials said no additional information about the circumstances leading up to the incident has been made public.
The Coast Guard said updates will be provided as the search continues.
