A 62-year-old female passenger was reported missing in Juneau, Alaska USA, after failing to return to the Norwegian Bliss before its scheduled departure on July 1st.
Marites C. Buenafe, a physician from the University of Kentucky, had texted her family that morning, indicating plans to hike to Gastineau Peak via Gold Ridge using the Mount Roberts Tramway. Surveillance footage confirmed her arrival at the tram summit around 7:30 a.m.
The ship, operated by NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, remained in port until approximately 1:35 p.m., after unsuccessful attempts to locate her. An extensive search was launched by the Alaska State Troopers and local agencies on July 2nd, with efforts continuing by air and ground on July 3rd.
Authorities noted that the search area included challenging terrain. The NCL assisted the authorities and supported the woman’s family.
The body was discovered on July 3rd, just before midday, by an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk (rescue helicopter) crew.
For more Norwegian Bliss incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.