NCL Crew Member Who Fell Overboard Rescued After 22 Hours in Water

Carnival Glory. Photo: Carnival Corp

A Norwegian Cruise Lines crew member is lucky to be alive after falling overboard off the coast of Cuba on Saturday.

Amazingly, the missing crew member was rescued by a passing cruise ship after treading water for some 22 hours without a flotation device.

The U.S. Coast Guard says the 33-year-old crew member was seen falling overboard from the Norwegian Getaway around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday as the ship was about 28 miles northwest of Pinar del Rio, Cuba.

The Coast Guard says it search around 1,630 square miles before suspending the search as night fell on Saturday. Norwegian Getaway had also stopped its search by that time. 

Miraculously, it was several guests and crew members of the Carnival Glory, en route from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico, who spotted the missing crew member “waving their arms” in ocean on Sunday afternoon about 21 miles north or Cuba.

Immediately, Carnival Glory changed course to pick up the crew member, who was reported in stable condition.

“This is nothing short of miraculous,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Kudos to the Carnival Glory team for this amazing effort to rescue a fellow seafarer.”

The Captain and Safety Officer of Carnival Glory describe the rescue operation in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZoxk3Koy24

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up