Cruise Hive previously reported on an urgent search operation underway off the coast of Cancun, Mexico, for a missing crew member from the Regal Princess cruise ship. Sadly, that search has now come to an end, and the cruise line has confirmed the crew member has died.
In an updated statement to Cruise Hive, the cruise line said, “Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Princess crew member who has gone overboard today from Regal Princess.“
The cruise line continued, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew’s family and friends during this difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event.“
Regal Princess, which is on a 7-day western Caribbean sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, was en route to a scheduled call in Cozumel, Mexico, on July 13. Cruise tracking data showed the Regal Princess suddenly turning around before reaching Cozumel to launch search efforts. The cruise line was also working with the relevant authorities during the search.
Carnival Jubilee, which is currently sailing a 7-night voyage out of Galveston, Texas, was also included in the search efforts. The Carnival-operated ship was heading towards its scheduled call in Honduras at the time, with an arrival on July 14. Both ships have now resumed their cruises.
“Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts.” Princess Cruises stated.
Regal Princess Itinerary Impacted
Due to the 3,560-passenger Regal Princess turning around on July 13 and not making its scheduled call to Cozumel, the ship has adjusted its current July 11 sailing. The ship is now heading for its scheduled call to Belize on July 14.
The Cozumel July 13 call is cancelled, but guests will still be able to visit the port as Princess Cruises has added it back on the itinerary for July 16 instead. The call to Roatan in Honduras is unchanged, and the vessel will return to its homeport in Fort Lauderdale as normal on July 18.
