“We’ve Been Circling for Hours”: Search Underway After Woman Goes Overboard on Odyssey of the Seas

A search and rescue mission is currently underway in the Mediterranean Sea after a reported man-overboard incident.

According to reports circulating on social media and elsewhere, a 44-year-old female passenger went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.

The incident took place while the 4,200-passenger ship was sailing from Mykonos, Greece, toward its next port of call on the itinerary in Naples, Italy.

What We Know So Far

According to reports from passengers on board, it all happened during the early morning hours.

Security camera footage was later reviewed by the crew, confirming that the woman had gone over the side of the vessel.

Some reports stated that the woman grabbed an inflatable life-saver before entering the water, although that has not yet bene confirmed.

At about 10:00 AM local time, the captain made a ship-wide announcement informing guests of the emergency. Odyssey of the Seas immediately turned around and began performing a search pattern about 70 miles southwest of Zakynthos, Greece.

Tracking data from VesselFinder shows that ship carrying out a search and rescue mission for the passenger as the vessel circled around the area where the woman was last known to be.

The Greek Joint Rescue Coordination Center (EKSED) also joined in the search with a patrol boat and helicopter as some nearby commercial vessels also joined in the search efforts.

Passengers Share Live Updates from the Ship

Cruisers on board Odyssey of the Seas took to social media and forum communities like Reddit to share updates as the operation unfolded:

“We were heading towards Naples when, around 10 am, the captain informed us that a woman had jumped off the ship in the early hours of the morning. The ship turned around, and we’ve now been circling for hours while conducting search and rescue operations with the help of the Greek Coast Guard. Apparently, she grabbed an inflatable ring and just jumped into the middle of the ocean.”

Odyssey of the Seas is currently on a 7-day roundtrip sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) that is scheduled to arrive back in homeport on Sunday, October 11.

Some passengers described the atmosphere on board as the ship conducted search patterns alongside maritime authorities:

“It was eerie when the Windjammer went silent after the Captain made the first announcement.”

“I’m on the same ship, we are still doing circles, there has not been news yet about this person. Meanwhile, enjoying the Solarium with a great view of 3 search and rescue ships + 1 helicopter,” another passenger stated.

“They didn’t figure out it happened till 4 hours later, the only reason they knew is cause they found the camera footage of her jumping. Also on this ship! There are as of now 5 rescue ships, 1 helicopter, 1 airplane, and 1 rescue vessel looking for her.”

What Happens Next?

When a passenger goes overboard, maritime law requires the ship to assist in search efforts until released by the coordinating Coast Guard agency. Depending on how long search efforts continue, Odyssey of the Seas may experience delays or itinerary adjustments regarding its arrival in Naples.

Cruise Fever will keep this page updated as more information comes in and as official statements are released by Royal Caribbean or the Greek Coast Guard.