An 18-year-old passenger was recovered alive after going overboard from the cruise ship AIDAnova while navigating the Baltic Sea toward Copenhagen on July 16th.
At approximately two o’clock in the morning, the “man overboard” signal was raised. The vessel, carrying some 6,600 passengers and crew, immediately came about and reduced speed in wind force six conditions. The master requested that passengers on balcony cabins illuminate the sea with their mobile phone torches, while ship’s boats swept the water with searchlights. Through the combined vigilance of crew and guests, the individual was located, retrieved from the water, and brought back aboard in a responsive condition, where he received medical attention.
A full muster and headcount were conducted, with confirmation of all persons aboard received by four o’clock. Thereafter, the voyage continued on its scheduled course.
AIDA Cruises confirmed the occurrence without further comment. Danish police stated that the passenger had been under the influence of alcohol and had earlier made remarks about entering the water before carrying out the act.
For more AIDAnova incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.