The man went overboard on the Quantum of the Seas at about 11pm native time (early Wednesday night time AEST), about 1400km south of the Hawaiian islands.
9News understands witnesses noticed the person fall from the highest fifteenth deck.
The US Coast Guard has issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast – a widespread radio message to alert ships within the space to a misery state of affairs – to all vessels within the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii, to assist search for the person.
Coast Guards have been looking out the location with a C-130 Hercules for the lacking man to no avail to this point.
“They were able to cast out a few life rings,” US Coast Guard Ryan Fisher mentioned.
“Just so if he was in the vicinity in the water he could be able to grab onto them.”
Passenger Susan Whittington famous there was “quite a large swell” in a single day making it “almost impossible” for the search.
After six hours of looking out, the plane was pressured to run again to Hawaii to refuel.
The authority confirmed the plane will proceed trying to find the lacking man at first mild.
“If they are unable to locate him today the plan is to continue the search tomorrow as well,” Fisher mentioned.
The Coast Guard has additionally put out a name to the US Navy for support.
Passengers had been woken by the PA system calling “oscar, oscar, oscar” – the ship’s code for man overboard.
They had been then requested to return to their rooms and ensure all their travelling occasion was accounted for, whereas brilliant lights swept the water to seek for the reported lacking passengers.
About 90 minutes later, the passengers had been informed they may depart their rooms.
Passenger Georgina Thompson mentioned she and her husband had been in mattress once they heard the alert name.
“There were lights, you know, the big lights shining on the ocean,” she informed Today.
“And also there were a couple of boats out there in the water.”
Passengers are shocked by the ordeal, recounting a “sombre” temper on board the ship because it continues to its vacation spot.
“It’s a shocking situation to be in,” Whittington mentioned.
Thompson mentioned it was “very sombre, very sombre”.
The cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises, has been at sea for 15 days after visiting Tahiti.
The passengers on board are on account of cease at Kona in Hawaii for a day on shore then the cruise will proceed on its remaining cease in Honolulu.
It departed Brisbane on April 12.
The Quantum of the Seas has resumed its course for Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island.
“While on its trans-pacific sailing, a guest onboard Quantum of the Seas went overboard,” Royal Caribbean mentioned in a press release to 9news.com.au.
“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities.
“Quantum of the Seas departed Brisbane on April 12 and is scheduled to reach in Honolulu (on) April 28.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said it is ready to help the family of the man who fell overboard.
“The Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu is working intently with native authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“We acknowledge the continuing misery for the person’s household and family members.”
Source: www.9news.com.au
