An “active search and rescue operation” was underway Monday, July 13 in the waters off Cancun, Mexico for a missing Princess Cruises crew member, company officials said.
The unidentified crew member went missing from the Regal Princess, which departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale the afternoon of Saturday, July 11 for a one-week sailing. Guests aboard the ship reported being awakened by an announcement early July 11 informing them about the search efforts and advising a stop in Cancun would not be happening at the planned time.
“Princess is coordinating closely with maritime authorities, and search efforts remain ongoing,” according to a statement from the cruise line provided to USA TODAY NETWORK. “Our thoughts are with the crew member, their family, and all those impacted by this situation. We are providing support to our onboard team and remain focused on the ongoing search efforts.”
Details about the Regal Princess
The ship holds 3,560 passengers and another 1,346 crew members.
It was built in 2014 and christened by the original cast of the television show “The Love Boat.”
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Search underway for missing cruise line employee off coast of Mexico
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
