Cruise line ends search for missing overboard passenger

The search for a missing cruise passenger, 76, who went overboard from a European ship on Thanksgiving has been called off, authorities confirmed. 

Guests sailing on the Marella Explorer 2 were startled when they heard the secret emergency announcement for man overboard shortly before 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 28. 

The 30-year-old cruise ship was roughly 19 miles from Punta de Teno on the coast of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. 

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For two days, the Spanish maritime authorities and the ship’s crew mounted intense search efforts, including two helicopters, a search-and-rescue aircraft, and a patrol boat. 

Unfortunately, despite everyone's best efforts, the British passenger was not located, and the search efforts were called off.  

"Active search has ended. From now on, any time our units move for other emergencies and during scheduled drills, they still search," the Spanish Coast Guard Salvamento Maritimo confirmed.  

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That said, nearby ships are still advised to be on the lookout when appropriate. Neither Marella Cruises nor authorities have confirmed details about the guest, other than their age and nationality. 

"Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support," a TUI spokesperson told PEOPLE. 

Read more: 10 people have gone overboard from cruise ships this year. The one thing they all have in common is why I’m not worried

Last week, another passenger fell off a Disney cruise ship

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A 73-year-old Australian cruise guest is presumed dead after going overboard from the Disney Wonder on Nov. 22, just five days before the incident on Marella Explorer 2. 

According to local news outlets, the individual went overboard from the cruise ship around 4:30 a.m. as it was sailing across the Tasman Sea.

The Disney Wonder immediately turned around and started an emergency search response, though it's believed that the man intentionally jumped off the vessel. 

Read more: Cruise passenger jumps overboard from a Disney cruise ship