A major search operation is currently underway off the northwest coast of Tenerife following the reported disappearance of a 76-year-old British passenger who fell from the TUI-operated vessel, the Marella Explorer 2. Spanish emergency services initiated a coordinated maritime search on Thursday morning after local authorities received notification that a man had entered the water while the 907-cabin cruise ship was en route to La Gomera, reports The WP Times citing ITV News.
Salvamento Maritimo, the official Spanish maritime search and rescue agency, confirmed on Friday that they had been actively searching the waters surrounding the cruise ship since the alarm was raised the previous day. In their statement, the agency noted that the coordination efforts were being maintained under the administration of the Maritime Captaincy of Tenerife, with active collaboration from the Civil Guard. The extensive search is utilizing local resources to locate the missing individual in the area of the Canary Islands.
Marella Cruises, the operator of the vessel, released a statement expressing their profound sadness regarding the incident, confirming that a guest was indeed observed entering the water while the Marella Explorer 2 was navigating towards La Gomera. The cruise company stressed that their primary concern is with the individual and their relatives during this challenging time. Marella Cruises added that a dedicated care team is currently providing support, assistance, and comfort to the family and that the company is collaborating closely with local authorities to offer every possible support in the ongoing investigation.
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