Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Local authorities participated in the search for a crew member who went overboard their ship Friday. The cruise ship worker reportedly went overboard near Punta Allen off the coast of Tulum Friday afternoon.
The Playa del Carmen government participated in the search through the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) in response to reports. In coordination with the Mexican Navy, personnel began an aerial search and rescue operation for the cruise ship crew member.
The crew member fell overboard from the cruise ship approximately 11 nautical miles off the coast of Punta Allen.
“Following the report, response protocols were immediately activated, deploying maritime units and the Albatros helicopter from the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Playa del Carmen,” the government reported.
Local PDC officials conducted aerial surveillance and rescue support with specialized patrol personnel.
The incident happened Friday on a Norwegian Viva cruise as the ship was passing the coast of Quintana Roo. The person overboard is reported to be an Indian man, a chef from the food and beverage staff of the ship.
Guests on board reported their ship turning around to circle the area during a search that lasted approximately one hour before they continued on their journey. From there, the Navy of Mexico took over the search.
Guests from a different cruise ship immediately following the Norwegian Viva also reported circling the area in search of the overboard crew member before continuing their journey south.
As of Friday afternoon, the SSC of Playa del Carmen said “the search continues, prioritizing the location of the reported individual. As of now, there is no information confirming their whereabouts.”
