Marella Explorer 2: Horror in Canary Islands as tourist plunges off adults-only TUI cruise ship
A tourist has plunged off an adults-only TUI cruise ship.
A British pensioner has plunged from a TUI-operated cruise ship sparking a massive rescue operation. Spanish coastguards and police are searching waters after the adults-only Marella Explorer 2 sounded a Man Overboard alert north of the Canary Islands.
A helicopter and rescue boats joined the ongoing operation yesterday morning as the 14-deck vessel headed to the Canaries from Madeira. The ship’s captain slowed it to a near-stop before activating "protocol procedures" which included reviewing cameras, launching marker buoys and conducting circular search manoeuvres.
A Marella Cruises statement, released to the Mirror, read: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time.
"Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support.”
Tenerife daily El Dia said the incident happened when the cruise liner was around 16 nautical miles from Punta de Teno on the island’s most northwestern point. Local reports said a German-flagged yacht had also answered the SOS call.
The ship’s current position is showing up as the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz, where it arrived around 2.30am this morning. It left Tenerife on November 21 for a seven-day Canarian Flavours tour with scheduled stops in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Madeira and La Gomera.