Man lost overboard on Carnival Splendor – authorities organise major search

• Incidents of people going overboard on cruise ships are rare.
• But this weekend, Carnival Splendor suffered such an incident.
• A search is ongoing. Here’s what we know.

A man has gone overboard on Carnival Splendor, while the ship was sailing off the coast of Brisbane on Friday night. He was reported missing around 2am and authorities are currently searching for the man.

Carnival said the information they have so far is that the man “apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped overboard.

“The male guest was travelling with family, who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person, and a review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action.

“All appropriate authorities have been alerted and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney on Sunday.

“Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one.”

The captains announcement in the video said: “You may have heard the announcement early this morning related to a man overboard matter. We have confirmed that sadly one of our guests jumped overboard. All appropriate authorities have been notified, since one of our guests jumped overboard.

“In keeping with our protocols and maritime regulations, we have returned to the location where the incident occurred and are now assisting authorities with the search and rescue operation.

“You may have noticed a couple of other cargo ships in the area supporting the operations as well an aircraft.”

A passenger on the ship said an announcement was made trough cabins at 1:44am, stating “man overboard, man overboard, starboard side.” The passenger says about 45 minutes later this was confirmed by the captain and the ship turned around.