You are here

Home » Cruise Ship Passenger Lost Overboard At Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise Ship Passenger Lost Overboard At Glacier Bay National Park

Share

Published Date

July 15, 2018
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve/Kurt Repanshek

A 69-year-old cruise ship passenger has been lost overboard at Glacier Bay National Park/Kurt Repanshek file

Editor's note: An update to this story can be found at this page: Man Overboard For 9 Hours Before Being Reported Missing At Glacier Bay National Park

A 69-year-old passenger of a Holland America cruise ship has been lost overboard at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

In a brief news release, the park said Saturday night that it had suspended its search for the man, who was reported missing from Westerdam on Friday. The individual was reported missing at 3:50 p.m. when he did not appear for a medical appointment on board, a park release said.

The Park Service was notified 7:30 Friday evening after a ship-wide search confirmed that the passenger was absent. 

Searches for the unidentified passenger were conducted both from Park Service boats and from the air, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The release did not say where along the 65-mile Glacier Bay the man was reported missing, and park staff could not immediately be reached Sunday morning.

Holland America Westerdam/NPS HO

This file photo of the Holland America Westerdam was released by the National Park Service.



 

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Glacier Bay National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Debbie on July 16, 2018 - 8:49am.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was reported missing when he didn't show up for a medical appointmen. Why wasn't he reported by his wife or whoever he was traveling with? 


Submitted by Manu on July 16, 2018 - 9:08am.

Safety at sea is the primary concern for a captain and cruise line.most of this very sad incidents are suicides or passengers who don't obbey the rules and safety measures in place.Im sure they did as much as possible,it is their job and obligation.Our condolences to the family.


Submitted by Lynnette on July 16, 2018 - 9:14am.

What does the captain usually do when they're told a passenger is missing (I've never been on a cruise ship before, so I'm clueless here)? Do they immediately stop the ship where it stands, then double back (after an unsuccessful search of the ship, of course)? Or do they send rescue boats from off the ship to go back and search? Or do they call authorities and wait for assistance from them?

I'm also curious as to what happens to the cruises itinerary/schedule when something like this occurs?


Submitted by Vkm on July 16, 2018 - 9:14am.

sending prayers  for the man, his family the s&r crew, and certainly for the captain and his crew.  I'm sure it caused trauma for all involved - nobody WANTS to lose a person overboard.....  I believe the captain did what he thought was correct in this terrible situation.  I get stressed out if I'm five minutes late to work- I can't imagine how the cruise captain felt. We are ALL only human after all. 


Submitted by Curious Mind on July 16, 2018 - 9:27am.

I said the exact same thing Nana x4


Submitted by Bmac on July 16, 2018 - 9:28am.

The article also stated that he had missed a medical appointment. It's possible he had a medical condition that caused him to become lightheaded and fall overboard. 


Submitted by Gypsy on July 16, 2018 - 9:33am.

I have been on a transatlantic cruise where a crew member committed suicide by leaping from the top deck at the back where the propellers are. We searched, as did other ships, after this was discovered. There are procedures in place. But we all knew we would find nothing. I have also cruised in Glacier Bay. The water is extremely cold. This man would have died of hypothermia even if he survived the fall. It is sad but there is only so much a ship can do. I have cruised more times than I ever added them up & falling off of a cruise ship is not easy. You have to be drunk or dumb enough to climb on railings or you mean to go over. Even in storms you have to take crazy risks, & the ship is moving slower in Glacier Bay so that passengers can see the beauty. He is not treading water: that man near Cuba was in warm water & incredibly lucky


Submitted by Watson H. on July 16, 2018 - 9:41am.

I was just reading the comments. I have never been on a cruise and I would hatd to second guess a Captain and his/her crew. 

Thats tge wordt thing that can happen on a cruise but it sounds like they did try to.locate the man.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.