A 77-year-old woman went overboard on a cruise ship while sailing north of Cuba, according to the United States Coast Guard, which said it suspended its search for the passenger after looking for several hours on Thursday.
The Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam was approximately 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, when the woman went overboard on Thursday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast.
“The captain and crew initiated search and rescue procedures and are searching the area working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard which has deployed a cutter and helicopter to assist,” Holland America Line said in a statement.
The Coast Guard updated later Thursday that it has suspended the search for the woman “pending the development of new information.” Cruise ship personnel and Coast Guard crews had searched for approximately eight hours over 690 square miles, it said.
The Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam at anchor in the Firth of Forth near the Forth Bridge, on May 29, 2025 in South Queensferry, Scotland, United Kingdom.
Ken Jack/Getty Images
The Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Dec. 27 for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise, according to Holland America Line.
Due to the search, the ship’s planned call to Key West, Florida, on Friday was cancelled, the cruise line said.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today,” Holland American Line said in a statement on Thursday. “Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
