NEED TO KNOW
- A 77-year-old woman fell overboard from a Holland America cruise ship on New Year’s Day, according to the Coast Guard
- The Neiuw Statendam was reportedly about 40 miles off the coast of Sabana, Cuba, when the incident occurred
- Holland America confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that they are “working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard” as the search continues
A 77-year-old woman has vanished after falling overboard from a cruise ship on New Year’s Day.
The Coast Guard said the woman, whose name has not been released, went overboard from the Neiuw Statendam, a Holland America cruise ship, on Thursday, Jan. 1, according to the Miami Herald and CBS News.
The ship departed from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Saturday, Dec. 27, and was due back on Saturday, Jan. 3, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The Neiuw Statendam was reportedly about 40 miles off the coast of Sabana, Cuba, when the incident occurred during a cruise in the eastern Caribbean.
Holland America confirmed the incident in a statement shared with CBS News and the Orlando Sentinel.
The cruise line said the ship’s captain and crew “initiated search and rescue procedures” after the incident “and are searching the area working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard” as the search continues.
The Coast Guard Cutter William Trump and an MH-60 helicopter crew based in Air Station Clearwater are assisting with the search, the agency said, according to the Herald.
Holland America said plans for the ship to stop for a port of call in Key West on Friday, Jan. 2, have been canceled, according to the reports.
“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 company added.
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Neither Holland America nor the Coast Guard has released information about how or why the woman went overboard.
Holland America and the Coast Guard did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
