Coast Guard Halts Search After 77-Year-Old Goes Overboard From Holland America Ship Near Cuba

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended an hourslong search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam while it was cruising near Cuba.

The woman went overboard around 3 a.m. about 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, the Coast Guard said. Her name was not immediately released.

The Coast Guard deployed the cutter William Trump and helicopters from its air station in Clearwater, Fla., and said the search covered more than 690 square miles.

After 15 hours, the search was suspended at sundown, the cruise line said. Holland America said the captain and crew initiated search-and-rescue procedures and worked closely with the Coast Guard.

The company did not provide further details about how the woman went overboard or what deck she had been on. Holland America said its family assistance team is supporting the passenger’s relatives.

A scheduled port call in Key West, Fla., was canceled because of the search. The Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 27 for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise.

The ship, in service since 2018, travels to the Bahamas and Mexico. It is about 975 feet long, nearly 115 feet wide and can carry more than 2,600 passengers.

Key Topics

Health, United States, World, Maritime, Coast Guard, Holland America, Cruise Ship