We are saddened to report that the US Coast Guard has suspended its search for the missing cruise ship entertainer who went overboard from the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas. The search operation for the missing Arron Hough, age 20, from Sunderland lasted for about 83 hours, covering 3,707 square miles, with three different aircrafts and Cutter Resolute. The search proved to be to no avail and the missing staff member was not found.

"Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make as first responders, and it is never made lightly," the Coast Guard said in a statement adding that the search ended 2.30pm local time on Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Commander Christopher Douglas, said: 'We've been in contact with members of Mr. Hough's family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult and painful time for them.

Arron Hough was reported missing 267 miles northwest off the coast of Puerto Rico on Tuesday, while Harmony of the Seas was en route to Philipsburg, St Maarten.

Royal Caribbean said that after reviewing the ship's CCTV footage, Arron was last observed entering an area on Deck 5 at around 4 am. His disappearance was noticed after he failed to turn up for work on Christmas Day.

Arron Hough graduated from the prestigious dance and musical college Urdang Academy in London, in July, and shortly after joined the cast of the musical Grease with Royal Caribbean Productions. He was extremely talented singer and dancer. He was a kind of person who lights up a room like no one else and everyone who had privilege to know him has so many happy memories. Arron will be deeply missed by all of us.