Coast Guard suspends search for Norwegian cruise crew member who went overboard near Cape Cod

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a Norwegian cruise ship crew member who fell overboard in the waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Rescue operations were launched immediately following the fall from the Norwegian Breakaway late on Saturday night, which was captured on ship security cameras, according to Norwegian Cruise Line. The exact circumstances of the fall are not yet known.

“Upon confirming the incident, the vessel immediately informed the United States Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Center, and a coordinated search and rescue operation was initiated,” the company said in a statement shared with CBS.

“The United States Coast Guard has taken over the search and rescue operation and released the vessel to continue the voyage. The safety, security, and well-being of our crew is our highest priority. Our thoughts are with the crew member’s family during this difficult time.”

Searches were called off Sunday just after 12 pm, “pending new information,” Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England told Fox News. The Independent has contacted the USCG and Norwegian Cruise Line for comment.

The identity of the crew member who fell overboard has not been released.

The Norwegian Breakaway was traveling from Bermuda to Boston and was around 12 miles off the coast of Cape Cod when the incident occurred.

A passenger on the ship told CBS that after the alarm was raised a ship-wide announcement had been made and lifeboats had been deployed to assist in the search.

Coast Guard crews from Southeastern New England and Provincetown were part of the search operations.

As well as the initial onboard announcement, passengers also received a letter explaining the delayed arrival in Boston.

“Overnight and into the early morning hours, the ship remained engaged in search and rescue efforts following a man overboard situation, working closely with maritime authorities,” the letter said, per CBS.

“These efforts required the vessel’s full attention before the voyage could safely resume toward Boston. Situations such as these are never easy, and the safety and well-being of those at sea remain at the heart of every decision we make.”