British Tourist Vanishes After Falling Overboard from Cruise Ship Near Tenerife Coast
A British tourist has vanished after reportedly falling overboard from a cruise ship near the coast of Tenerife. The incident involved a 76-year-old man who went missing from the Marella Explorer 2 on Thursday morning.
Search Operations Underway
The cruise ship was located approximately 16.5 nautical miles northwest of Punta Teno, Tenerife, when coast guards received an alert at 9:48 AM local time. Multiple resources, including helicopters and patrol boats, are actively engaged in the search for the missing passenger.
Details from Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises expressed deep sorrow over the incident, confirming that the guest was seen entering the water while en route to La Gomera. The company stated that they are supporting the affected family and collaborating with local authorities.
- Incident Time: Thursday morning
- Reported by: Marella Cruises
- Search Resources: Coast guards, helicopters, and patrol boats
- Distance from Punta Teno: 16.5 nautical miles
Route of the Marella Explorer 2
The Marella Explorer 2 was traveling between Funchal in Madeira and San Sebastian de La Gomera, according to reports from Voz Populi. After the incident, the captain activated the international “man overboard” protocol, which involved checking surveillance cameras and launching marker rafts.
The vessel docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 2:40 AM local time on the same day.
Passenger Accounts
Lesley-Anne Kelly, a 40-year-old passenger from Dundee, recounted the moment an alarm alerted passengers to the situation during breakfast. She noted that crew members promptly responded and that the coast guard arrived approximately 30 minutes later.
While onboard, the captain informed passengers that a marker had been deployed, requiring the ship to remain in place until further instructions from the coast guard.
Continuing the Search
As darkness fell, the search was temporarily suspended. Passengers were later informed that operations would resume in the morning. Ms. Kelly described the atmosphere onboard as somber, particularly after the search was paused.
Witnesses reportedly saw the incident unfold, and interviews are being conducted to gather more information. The Foreign Office has stated that it has not been approached for consular assistance regarding the case but is available to support British nationals abroad.
Conclusion
The search for the British tourist continues, with authorities committed to finding the missing man as operations are expected to resume after morning light.
