We are deeply saddened to announce that the U.S. Coast Guard has ended their search for the Royal Caribbean crew member who went overboard from the cruise ship Majesty of the Seas. After 24 hours search and covering more than 1,388 square miles the missing crew member who was working in the bar department, was not located.

According to Royal Caribbean spokesperson the 26-year-old man was reportedly seen going overboard by fellow colleagues around 2:35 a.m. on Thursday, reports Newsweek. 

The ship’s captain was immediately alerted about Man overboard emergency and stopped the vessel in an attempt to find and rescue the crewman. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami were notified about the emergency at approximately 2:40 a.m. and acted by deploying MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, Cutter Paul Clark, and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry plane.

Majesty of the Seas circled until 6:43 a.m. when the search was handed over to the Coast Guard. The vessel was then released from the search and continued to its homeport Port Everglades. Crew member ’s family was notified about this tragic event and Royal Caribbean Care Team is providing the much-needed support.

“We’ve been in contact with the crewmember’s family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult and painful time for them,” said Cmdr. Jason Aleksak, USCG Sector Miami chief of response. “Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make as first responders, and it is never made lightly.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with crew member’s family, friends, and his fellow crew members.

Update: Majesty of the Seas crew member is identified as Enis Mahic from Montenegro.