A passenger aboard the Spectrum of the Seas, a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean, has unfortunately fallen overboard into the Singapore Strait. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported this incident on Monday, July 31st.
Coordinated search operations have been initiated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The MRCC was apprised of the situation around 7.50am on Monday, while the ship was in transit to Singapore. To assist with the ongoing search, the MRCC has broadcasted a navigational safety warning to all vessels in the Singapore Strait and those docked in port. They have been asked to stay vigilant for the missing individual and to report any sightings. The identity and other details of the overboard passenger have not been disclosed at this time.
Following the incident, the Spectrum of the Seas departed from Singapore at 4.30pm, according to an 11pm update from the MPA. Their initial statement, released just after 9pm, informed that the cruise ship was docked in Singapore and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
At 10.30pm, Royal Caribbean International affirmed that the Spectrum of the Seas had been given clearance by the relevant authorities and continued its scheduled journey on Monday evening. According to the itinerary posted on the Royal Caribbean website, the ship embarked on a 12-night voyage to Tokyo on July 31st, with planned stops in Vietnam and Hong Kong. As per the ship tracking website Marine Traffic, at 10.30pm, the Spectrum of the Seas was confirmed to be en route to Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Upon realizing the passenger was overboard, the crew of the ship immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, Royal Caribbean further noted. A dedicated care team has been assigned to provide assistance and support to the family of the missing passenger.
