An Indian crew member of the cruise ship Ambience, operated by Ambassador Cruise Line, was reported missing at sea. The ship was on its final leg of a round-the-world journey from Lisbon, Portugal, back to its homeport in Tilbury, UK, when the crew member was reported missing.
The crew member was reported missing just after breakfast on Friday, May 3, 2024, having failed to report for duty. An extensive search of the ship was initiated, however the crew member was not located aboard the vessel. The Ambience turned back to retrace its route to the position where the crew member was last seen. The ship's officers called in the Spanish coast guard, and a search was initated hoping to find the missing crew member at sea.
However, the ship has since been released by coast guard authorities from the search and continued its course back to the UK.
The search focused on the Atlantic Ocean west and south of the Spanish port of La Coruna, and west and north of Vigo.
Today, May 4, the BBC reported that the search was called off. A spokeswoman for Ambassador Cruise Line said, "Our immediate priority is to provide full support to all crew members closely affected by this incident. Guests on board have been kept informed throughout the day and have been advised of recent developments. Planned events to mark Ambience's return have been canceled. 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," the spokeswoman added.
The ship was due to leave for the British Isles on Sunday night, but the cruise line said this would be impacted, and customers will be contacted.