A 73-year-old passenger from Moonee Ponds, Victoria, was reported overboard from the cruise ship Disney Wonder in the Tasman Sea. According to Victoria Police, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 22nd, while the vessel was en route to Auckland.
The ship initiated a search operation, turning back and navigating for approximately five hours in the area where the incident was reported. Crews employed thermal imaging equipment to scan the waters. The ship’s captain later informed passengers that the individual could not be located.
One passenger recounted that the atmosphere aboard the vessel became subdued for the remainder of the day and that crew members were visibly affected. The Disney Wonder is now proceeding to New Zealand, with an anticipated arrival delayed by one day.
This voyage represents one of the final DCL-Disney Cruise Line itineraries in the Australia region for the current season, as the company has previously indicated it will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-2027 season.
For more Disney Wonder incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.