A grave situation unfolded aboard the Viking Star on the morning of October 27th, when a crew member went overboard as the vessel transited between Crete and Sicily. The alarm was raised at 11:31 a.m. local time while the ship was sailing through the southern Aegean Sea. What began as an ordinary passage quickly turned into a coordinated emergency operation that engaged every department on board.
According to company reports, the bridge team initiated man-overboard procedures without delay. Crew members moved swiftly to the deck, deploying life rings and smoke markers while the ship’s alarm system signaled the emergency throughout the vessel. Passengers and crew watched as Viking Star altered course and conducted repeated search patterns over the area in an effort to locate their missing colleague.
The Italian Coast Guard took command of the search upon establishing communication, extending operations westward into the Mediterranean corridor. Satellite tracking data indicates that Viking Star remained on station for several hours before being released to continue her voyage.
Viking has confirmed that 471 crew members are currently serving aboard. In its official statement, the company expressed regret over the incident and pledged full support to the family of the missing seafarer. The Viking Star, like others in the line’s ocean fleet, operates with a relatively small complement, fostering a close community among those who serve at sea. Crew members live and work together for extended periods, forming bonds that transcend duty.
The loss of one among them is deeply felt throughout the ship and the wider fleet community, who now extend their thoughts to the family and shipmates of the missing crew member during this difficult time.
For more Viking Star incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.