Man goes overboard from Norwegian Cruise Line ship, sparking 'unsuccessful' search

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FILE - The cruise ship Norwegian Epic as she sails up the Hudson River July 1, 2010, in New York. (Photo credit: DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images)

The frantic search for a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger who went overboard on Thursday has been called off. 

A 51-year-old man, who was not identified, went overboard at about 3 p.m. on the Norwegian Epic while sailing from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to Nassau, Bahamas, a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson told FOX Television Stations.

The passenger was traveling "with a large group and his family on board," the spokesperson said. 

"The authorities were immediately notified, and a search and rescue operation under the guidance and oversight of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center went underway," the spokesperson said. "After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities to continue its voyage."

Videos on social media captured the search and fellow passengers watching over balconies. The ship was on a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage that departed Port Canaveral, Florida on Dec. 21, according to CruiseHive.com.

Norwegian Cruise Line said the passenger’s loved ones on board were "being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time," the spokesperson added. 

An unidentified woman previously fell off the Norwegian Epic near the Bahamas in 2018 but was rescued, according to reports at the time.

The Norwegian Epic, which was built in 2010 and refurbished in 2020, has 19 decks. It can accommodate 4,070 passengers with double occupancy of its cabins and has 1,724 crew members.