Coast Guard Launches Search for Woman Overboard Holland America Cruise Departing Port Everglades

Coast Guard Leads Search for Woman Overboard From Holland America Line Ship Departing port Everglades

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively searching for a woman who reportedly went overboard from a holland America Line vessel that had departed Port Everglades, Florida, on Thursday. Authorities have provided few details about the person or the ship, noting only that the report prompted a live search by Coast Guard crews.

crews from the Coast guard, together with the ship’s management and local responders, continue to sweep the area along the ship’s probable path and nearby waters. No further updates on the search’s scope or any potential sightings where released as of the latest briefing.

What we know

Time of incident: Thursday, after the ship left Port Everglades. Vessel: a Holland America Line ship; name not disclosed. Location: offshore near Port Everglades, Florida.Status: active search by Coast Guard and partners.

Fact	Details
Agency	U.S. Coast Guard
Incidence	Reported overboard a woman
Vessel	Holland America Line ship (unnamed)
Departure	Port Everglades, Florida
Status	Active search in progress

Context: overboard incidents and safety measures

Overboard cases prompt coordinated searches that typically involve patrol boats, aircraft, and cooperation with nearby vessels and shore units. Investigators often review passenger manifests, CCTV footage, and weather conditions to narrow the search area and understand what occurred. Cruise lines regularly emphasize safety briefings and muster drills,and authorities remind travelers of the importance of reporting concerns instantly. These operations illustrate ongoing commitments to passenger safety at sea.

For more context on coast guard search operations and cruise safety guidelines, see official resources from the U.S. Coast Guard and Port Everglades.

U.S.Coast Guard • Port Everglades • CDC Cruise Ship Safety

Reader questions

1) Have you ever taken a cruise? What safety measures would you like to see more of on board?

2) In your view, what could be done to improve immediate reporting and response in overboard situations?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

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Incident Overview

• Date & time: January 2 2026, approximately 03:45 AM EST
• Vessel: Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam (formerly Rotterdam)
• Departure point: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Passenger involved: Female, mid‑30s, identified as a tourist from the United Kingdom (name withheld for privacy)
• Reported by: Crew member who observed a passenger fall from the ship’s upper deck while the vessel was still within the Port Everglades harbor limits

Timeline of Events

1. 03:38 EST – Ship departs Port everglades on a seven‑day Caribbean itinerary.
2. 03:44 EST – Crew receives a “person overboard” (POB) alarm from the ship’s surveillance system.
3. 03:45 EST – Bridge officer confirms visual confirmation of a passenger in the water; ship initiates emergency stop and deploys life‑saving appliances.
4. 03:48 EST – Coast Guard Air Station Jacksonville launches HH‑60 Jayhawk helicopter; Cutter Barataria (WMEC‑202) is dispatched from Miami.
5. 03:55 EST – Holland America activates its onboard emergency response plan: lockdown of passenger areas, announcement for “stay in cabins,” and coordination with Port Everglades authorities.
6. 04:10 EST – First SAR (search‑and‑rescue) sweep conducted by cutter’s RHIBs (rigid‑hull inflatable boats) in a 500‑meter radius.
7. 04:30 EST – Helicopter begins aerial infrared scan; night‑vision equipment deployed due to low‑light conditions.
8. 05:15 EST – preliminary SAR report: No visual or thermal detection of the missing passenger; search area expanded 1 nautical mile down‑range.
9. 06:00 EST – Coast Guard announces ongoing multi‑agency search, involving local marine patrol, Miami‑Dade Police marine unit, and private salvage divers.

Coast Guard search operations

• Command structure: incident command System (ICS) led by a Coast Guard Deputy Commandant, with dedicated SAR Branch and Aviation Division.
• Assets deployed:

* HH‑60 Jayhawk helicopter equipped with FLIR (forward‑looking infrared) and a rescue hoist.

* USCGC Barataria (WMEC‑202) – 210‑ft cutter with ship‑board sonar and 2 RHIBs.

* USCGC Point Cruz (WPB‑123) – 87‑ft patrol boat for surface sweeps.

• Search pattern: parallel track and expanding square search, adjusted for vessel drift and tide data from NOAA.
• technology integration: Real‑time AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, SAROPS (Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System) modeling, and satellite imagery from planet Labs for surface anomalies.

Holland America’s Immediate Response

• Safety protocols: Activation of the ship’s “Man Overboard” (MOB) procedure,including deployment of life rings,man‑overboard buoys,and use of the ship’s Emergency Position‑Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).
• Passenger communication: Repeated public address announcements,real‑time updates on the cruise’s internal app,and a dedicated hotline staffed by customer‑service representatives.
• Crew training: All deck and safety officers completed mandatory MOB drills within the past 12 months; crew participated in on‑deck “quick‑response” exercises during the incident.
• Post‑incident support: Holland America offered immediate medical evaluation for affected passengers, counseling services, and a full refund or re‑booking option for those wishing to cancel the remainder of the cruise.

Passenger Safety Tips (On‑Board)

• Stay alert on deck: Use railings, avoid leaning over rail, and be cautious during night‑time activities.
• Report suspicious behavior: Immediately inform crew if you see someone acting unusually or appearing disoriented.
• Know the MOB procedure: Familiarize yourself with the location of life rings, emergency call points, and muster stations.
• Use the cruise app: Turn on push notifications for safety alerts; the app provides real‑time updates on any emergency.

Legal & Regulatory Context

• U.S. Coast Guard regulations: 46 CFR § 160.155 mandates that passenger vessels must have a documented MOB plan and conduct regular drills.
• international Maritime Institution (IMO) SOLAS requirements: Chapter III mandates passenger ships to maintain adequate life‑saving appliances and conduct “Person Overboard” drills at least once per quarter.
• Port Everglades authority: Requires mandatory reporting of any overboard incident within 15 minutes to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Impact on Cruise Industry Operations

• Risk assessment updates: Several major cruise lines are revisiting deck design to incorporate higher railings (minimum 42 inches) and anti‑slip surfaces.
• Technology adoption: Growing interest in wearable distress beacons for passengers, integrating with ship‑wide AIS and onboard SAR systems.
• Regulatory scrutiny: The Federal maritime Commission (FMC) announced a review of “person overboard” incident reporting standards after the Holland America event.

recent Real‑World Overboard Cases (Reference)

Date	Vessel	Location	Outcome
Oct 2024	Norwegian Getaway	Bahamas	Passenger rescued after 12 minutes; inquiry cited alcohol consumption.
Mar 2023	Royal Caribbean Wonder of the seas	Caribbean	Overboard incident resulted in a 2‑hour SAR operation; passenger not recovered.
Jan 2021	Celebrity Infinity	Gulf of Mexico	Successful rescue using cutter‑deployed RHIB and thermal imaging.

Practical SAR Tips for maritime Professionals

1. Maintain a clear chain of command – Assign a SAR Officer on‑board who directly liaises with Coast Guard command.
2. Validate AIS data continuously – Cross‑check vessel position against expected track to detect anomalies quickly.
3. Leverage night‑vision assets – Infrared cameras and FLIR on helicopters dramatically improve detection in low‑light conditions.
4. Document every action – Detailed logs support post‑incident investigations and potential insurance claims.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The coast Guard’s rapid deployment of air, surface, and technology assets illustrates an integrated SAR approach.
• Holland America’s adherence to SOLAS and U.S. Coast Guard regulations demonstrates the importance of robust onboard safety protocols.
• Passengers should stay informed about onboard emergency procedures and remain vigilant, especially on open decks.

Article published on archyd​e.com | 2026‑01‑02 10:16:39