Elderly Holland America cruise ship passenger, 77, goes overboard off Cuba’s coast
- - Elderly Holland America cruise ship passenger, 77, goes overboard off Cuba’s coast
Anna YoungJanuary 2, 2026 at 5:29 AM
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An elderly woman aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship went overboard in a New Year's Day nightmare -- and wasn't found after an exhaustive 15-hour search and rescue mission.
An elderly woman aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship went overboard in a New Year’s Day nightmare — and wasn’t found after an exhaustive 15-hour search and rescue mission.
The US Coast Guard launched a search for the 77-year-old passenger who went overboard on the Nieuw Statendam, which was sailing roughly 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, Thursday morning when the horrifying incident unfolded, according to the maritime agency, CBS News reported.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in the waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today,” Holland America said in a statement to The Post.
The US Coast Guard launched a search for the 77-year-old passenger who went overboard on the Nieuw Statendam Thursday morning. Getty Images
“The captain and crew initiated search and rescue procedures and worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard which deployed a cutter and a helicopter to assist.”
The ocean liner noted the search was suspended at sundown.
A 15-hour search commenced for the missing passenger but was suspended at sundown. SeanPavonePhoto – stock.adobe.com
It’s unclear if it will resume Friday morning or how the woman found herself in the choppy seas.
“Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time,” the company added.
The ship was scheduled to dock at Key West, Florida, on Friday but scrapped the stop due to the tragedy.
The ship was scheduled to dock at Key West, Florida, on Friday but scrapped the stop due to the tragedy. Nancy Pauwels – stock.adobe.com
The seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyage departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Dec. 27, and was set to return to port on Saturday, Holland America said.
The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
Source: “AOL General News”
