Odyssey of the Seas cancels Naples call during overboard rescue
A Coast Guard vessel rescued a 44-year-old passenger after the Royal Caribbean ship remained near the reported overboard location to support search efforts.
A 44-year-old woman from El Salvador went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas at about 6 a.m. on Friday, October 10, while the ship was sailing toward Naples, according to a report. The report described the incident as a jump overboard.
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said the ship immediately started rescue efforts in coordination with local authorities. The 167,704-gross-ton vessel remained near the overboard location during the day rather than continuing toward Italy.
The captain later announced that the scheduled Naples call would be canceled because the time spent on the search meant the ship could no longer reach the port as planned. Passengers reported receiving port-tax refunds ranging from $22.84 to €59.95 following the missed visit.
A Greek media report said a passing cargo ship spotted the passenger about 70 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos. A Coast Guard vessel then rescued her.
Royal Caribbean’s cruise contract prohibits passengers from sitting, standing, jumping, lying or climbing on, over or across railings and other protective barriers. The company had not indicated whether the passenger would face consequences or financial penalties, according to the report.