A 72-year-old American passenger has disappeared from a Princess Cruises vessel during its return voyage to San Francisco, California, leading to an extensive but ultimately suspended search operation.
The Ruby Princess cruise ship docked at San Francisco’s port at 6:50 a.m. Monday, December 2, following a five-day journey to Ensenada, Mexico. The passenger’s absence was discovered upon arrival, prompting immediate action from maritime authorities.
The U.S. Coast Guard initiated aerial searches Monday afternoon, concentrating their efforts approximately 45 miles off Monterey, California’s coastline. The search operation was suspended around 5:30 p.m. “pending any new developments,” according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Loumania Stewart.
Princess Cruises representatives conducted multiple thorough searches of the vessel and examined security camera footage. “Having ruled out other possibilities, this is being treated as a man overboard incident,” a cruise line spokesperson stated.
The missing passenger, who has not been publicly identified, was traveling alone on the voyage that began November 27. The exact time of his disappearance remains undetermined.
Cruise ship safety experts note that vessels maintain various preventative measures against accidental falls, including regulated guardrail heights and double railings.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has taken charge of the investigation into the passenger’s disappearance.
Princess Cruises extended their condolences to the family and friends of the missing passenger.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the Ruby Princess departed San Francisco Monday evening to begin a scheduled 16-day voyage to Hawaii.
