Spanish maritime authorities are conducting an extensive search for a 76-year-old British passenger who went overboard from the Marella Explorer 2 while the vessel was underway north-west of Tenerife. The coastguard reported that it assumed coordination of the operation shortly before 10:00 local time on Thursday, November 27th, deploying rescue craft, two helicopters, and a dedicated search aircraft to sweep the area.
According to information released by Marella Cruises, the man was observed entering the sea as the ship was making its passage toward La Gomera. The company stated that it was assisting the man’s family and cooperating closely with local authorities. The ship itself remained on scene to support search efforts until receiving permission to continue to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where it berthed in the early hours of Friday.
Passengers described how the routine of the morning meal was abruptly interrupted when an alarm sounded, followed by an announcement indicating a man overboard. One traveller recounted that the master later informed guests the vessel was required to hold position until cleared to proceed and that the search would be temporarily halted at nightfall due to limited visibility. She noted that the atmosphere aboard had grown subdued after word spread that darkness had brought operations to a pause. She also mentioned that passengers had been told witnesses were being interviewed, and she believed several people had likely seen the moment the individual entered the water, as it occurred during daylight when most guests were already active on deck.
Local reports suggest the Marella Explorer 2 had been returning toward the Canary Islands from Madeira at the time of the incident. The vessel had originally departed Tenerife on November 21st for a 7-day circuit of the Canaries and surrounding islands. The Foreign Office indicated that it had not yet been approached for consular support.
For more Marella Explorer 2 incidents and accidents, see the ship's CruiseMinus page.