SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Canary Islands – A major maritime and aerial search operation was relaunched this morning off the coast of Tenerife for a 76-year-old British cruise ship passenger who was seen falling overboard yesterday. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, November 27, aboard the TUI-operated vessel Marella Explorer 2 while it was sailing between Madeira and the island of La Gomera.

The Spanish maritime search and rescue agency, Salvamento Maritimo, confirmed they received the initial “man overboard” alert from the cruise ship at approximately 9:48 a.m. local time. The vessel was located about 16.5 nautical miles northwest of Punta de Teno, the westernmost point of Tenerife, when the British national reportedly entered the water.

Immediately following the alert, the captain of the Marella Explorer 2 stopped the ship and initiated emergency protocol procedures, which included deploying marker rafts and commencing circular search maneuvers. The ship’s involvement in the search continued for several hours before it was released by authorities and proceeded to dock at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 2:40 a.m. today.

Extensive Multi-Agency Effort

The Spanish coastguard took command of the extensive operation, deploying multiple resources in the Atlantic waters. These included the Helimer 201 emergency helicopter, the Sasemar 103 surveillance aircraft, and rescue vessels Salvamar Menkalinan and Salvamar Mizar. A patrol boat from La Palma, the Río Guadiato, also joined the multinational effort.

Search efforts were temporarily suspended as darkness fell on Thursday evening, leading to a sombre mood among the hundreds of passengers still onboard. One passenger, Lesley-Anne Kelly, told reporters that the mood turned “sombre” after the captain announced the initial search was being stood down. Witnesses reportedly saw the man enter the water, prompting crew members to quickly gather on deck to keep watch after the alarm sounded.

The search resumed promptly at first light this morning, with the Helimer 201 helicopter alternating duties with the Guardia Civil’s Cuco helicopter, covering a wide area based on predicted drift patterns and the last confirmed location. Despite the round-the-clock efforts, authorities have yet to locate the missing guest.

TUI Expresses Deep Sadness

Marella Cruises, which operates the TUI ship, released a statement confirming the tragedy and offering support to the family.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera,” a spokesperson for Marella Cruises said. “Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support.”

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear as the investigation, coordinated by the Tenerife Harbour Master’s Office, continues. The Marella Explorer 2, an adults-only vessel, had departed Tenerife on November 21 as part of a seven-day “Canarian Flavours” itinerary.