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Cruise ship returns to Melbourne after passenger, 22, goes overboard

A cruise ship is returning to Melbourne after a passenger went overboard in non-suspicious circumstances.

The Golden Princess was heading for New Zealand when a 22-year-old male passenger was reported missing on Monday night, Princess Cruises confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

“Public address announcements were made on board and a full search of the ship was conducted but the guest has not been located,” a spokesperson said.

“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Canberra was notified.”

The spokesperson said following extensive searches of the vessel, CCTV footage was then analysed.

The Golden Princess cruise ship. Source: Getty
The Golden Princess cruise ship. Source: Getty

“CCTV footage has been reviewed and it sadly reveals that the guest has intentionally gone overboard from the ship,” they said.

“Given the time that has elapsed since he was last seen onboard by other guests, with the deepest regret, and in consultation with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, we have accepted the expert view that there is unfortunately no likelihood of survival.”

The spokesman said the guest’s family had been notified and the company was offering support.

“Guests on Golden Princess have been asked to keep the missing guest and his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers.”

The cruise ship was due to arrive back in Melbourne on Wednesday.

The Cruise Lines International Association Australasia said in a statement that systems are in place to ensure the safety of guests and crew.

“CLIA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident reported today and our thoughts are with those affected,” the statement read.

“The safety of guests and the crew is the industry’s top priority. The cruise industry is highly regulated and there are robust procedures in place to support shipboard operational safety and security.

“While events of this nature are a rare occurrence, cruise lines conduct regular training and testing of emergency procedures and are transparent in reporting incidents to relevant authorities.”

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