Passenger rescued after about 20 hours in Ionian Sea
Greek authorities said the 44-year-old Odyssey of the Seas passenger was found conscious by a commercial cargo ship.
A 44-year-old woman was rescued alive after spending approximately 20 hours in the Ionian Sea following an overboard incident from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, Greek maritime authorities confirmed.
The El Salvadoran passenger entered the water on October 9, 2026, while the ship was southwest of the Greek island of Zakynthos. A commercial cargo ship participating in the search-and-rescue operation found her conscious early the following day.
The Hellenic Coast Guard deployed patrol vessels, while a Hellenic Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter and commercial ships also joined the operation. After receiving first aid and hypothermia triage aboard the cargo vessel, the passenger was transferred to a coast guard cutter, taken to Katakolo and admitted to a hospital in stable condition.
A Hellenic Coast Guard spokesperson cited by AFP said the woman told rescuers she had intentionally entered the water because she wanted to leave the ship. The Katakolo Port Authority opened an administrative inquiry and was reviewing security footage from exterior decks to establish the circumstances. Royal Caribbean Group said it launched an immediate search-and-rescue effort, was cooperating with authorities and was supporting the passenger’s loved ones.
