Search for crew member suspended aboard Essex-bound cruise ship
Officials said the crew member was reported missing yesterday, but could not be found.
A cruise liner heading to the United Kingdom has been released by Coastguard authorities, following the disappearance of a crew member on board.
Ambassador Cruise Lines confirmed that the search for the Indian national began after breakfast yesterday morning (Friday 3rd May).
Full searches of the ship were carried out and Coastguard authorities were alerted to the incident as the ship retraced its route off the Cape of Finisterre in Spain.
Ambience had set sail from Lisbon the day before on its final leg of a 120 day cruise around the world and had been due to dock in Tilbury, Essex, tomorrow.
The cruise line said it will now dock on Sunday evening and events to mark its return have been cancelled.
A spokesperson from Ambassador Cruise Lines said:
"Our colleague was reported missing while Ambience was in transit between Lisbon, Portugal, and London Tilbury following her round the world cruise. The ship departed from Lisbon on 2 May at 3.25pm local time.
"The crew member, who was from India, was reported missing shortly after breakfast on 3 May while the ship was off Cape Finisterre. The local Coastguard was informed and thorough ship-wide searches were conducted. Ambience reversed course to retrace her route to the ship’s position when the crew member was last seen.
"Ambience is now continuing on her original course back to the UK. Our immediate priority is to provide full support to all crew members closely affected by this incident. Guests onboard have been kept informed throughout the day and have been advised of recent developments. Many have expressed their well-wishes, and we would like to thank them for their concern and support.
" Ambassador remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of all our crew and guests. We are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of our colleague at this difficult time. Specialist support will be offered to all crew affected by today's events."