Key Aspects:
- Search underway for an elderly male passenger from the Carnival Splendor.
- The Australian Maritime Safety Authority launches a huge number of assets off the coast of Brisbane, Australia.
- Embarkation for the following cruise has been delayed.
An urgent search is underway from the 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor cruise ship after an elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, went overboard. The incident unfolded on the ship’s four-night sailing out of Sydney, Australia.
According to passengers onboard the ship, an announcement was made on the ship-wide public system with a man overboard emergency code for the starboard side. Guests have also reported that the captain confirmed the situation within the hour and that the vessel has turned around to launch search operations.
The overboard occurred just off the coast of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, approximately 30 miles southeast of Moreton Island. Cruise ship tracking data confirms the Carnival Splendor heading off course into a search pattern in the early hours of the morning on April 18 near the entry to the Port of Brisbane.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed with local outlets that it is involved in a major search and rescue operation, including six boats from the Queensland Police, five rescue helicopters, and Challenger search jets.
Carnival Splendor is coming to the end of its four-night sailing and was heading back towards its homeport of Sydney following the final port of call at Moreton Island on April 17.
Next Carnival Splendor Sailing Delayed
The 113,500 gross ton Carnival Splendor‘s delayed return to Sydney has pushed back the following April 19 sailing out of the Australian homeport.
In an updated text message to booked guests, Carnival said:
“Carnival Splendor is currently involved in a search and rescue operation and will be delayed arriving in Sydney tomorrow. As a result, check-in and embarkation for your cruise will also be delayed.“
“We are currently working on revised timing and will be back in touch later this afternoon with further details. Please do not proceed to the cruise terminal until you receive our final update on new embarkation times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding“, the message continued.
The April 19 cruise is an identical four-night voyage that also visits Moreton Island and is set to return home on April 23.
