Man falls overboard as cruise ship returns from two-week Mediterranean voyage
A passenger has fallen overboard from a cruise ship off the Isle of Wight.
The man is understood to have fallen into the water from the Ventura as it was returning to Southampton, Hampshire, from a two-week trip to the Mediterranean.
A Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboats have been involved in the search of an area with a 25 nautical mile radius south of St Catherine’s Point on the Isle of Wight.
AIS ship tracker – P&O Venture Search Pattern.
The P&O ship, which can carry up to 3,200 passengers, retraced its route across the area to assist in the search.
A Coastguard spokeswoman said: “We have a lifeboat from Yarmouth searching along with a Coastguard helicopter and we are still broadcasting to all shipping to look out for anything in the water.”
Passenger Kieron Baker said: “I’m currently on board Ventura, travelling back to Southampton now. Had a fantastic 2 week cruise but this really has put a dampener on things. Atmosphere is sombre as you can imagine and my thoughts go out to the passengers family. So so sad.”
P&O Ventura still in search for overboard passenger with Coastguard and Royal Navy. #isleofwight #ventura #cruise
Steven Fagioli posted on the ship’s Facebook page: “Late back, lost a passenger overboard last night. Search continuing with coastguards etc”.
Fellow passenger Jenny Hill wrote on Facebook: “I am on the Ventura now! Very sad situation and thoughts go out to the family involved. Our delay and inconvenience is insignificant in comparison.”
A P&O Cruises spokesman said: “Following reports of a missing person earlier this morning, Ventura conducted a full search of the area off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
“As a result of this search, which has now been handed over to the Coastguard as is usual in these instances, Ventura’s scheduled arrival into Southampton this morning is delayed.”
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