The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard from the Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam on New Year’s Day. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles northeast of the Sabana-Camagüey archipelago near Cuba. Despite an extensive search covering 690 square miles over eight hours, the woman, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, remains missing.
The Coast Guard deployed the cutter William Trump and MH-60 helicopter crews from Air Station Clearwater to assist in the search efforts. The Nieuw Statendam was en route to Key West, Florida, when the woman went overboard. As a result, the ship’s planned stop in Key West on January 2 was canceled.
Holland America Line expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today. Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Nieuw Statendam, which can accommodate around 2,700 passengers, had departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on December 27 and made stops in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic before the incident occurred. The search has been suspended pending any new information.
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