Royal Caribbean cruise passenger who went overboard rescued after she spent 20 hours at sea, Greek coastguard says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Salvadoran Woman Rescued After 20 Hours Overboard from Royal Caribbean Ship

   A 44-year-old woman from El Salvador was rescued after spending 20 hours adrift in the Ionian Sea. The passenger went overboard from the Royal Caribbean ship Odyssey of the Seas while sailing southwest of the Greek island of Zakynthos. Rescuers found her conscious and clinging to a lifebuoy. An MSC containership located the passenger, who was then pulled to safety by a search operation involving the cruise ship, two coastguard boats, and a navy helicopter. The woman later stated she jumped because she "wanted to disembark."

   Why it matters

   The incident occurred early on October 9. Search efforts spanned nearly 24 hours in pitch-black waters. The rescue involved a coordinated international effort between commercial shipping and Greek military and coastguard assets.

   What is confirmed

   • A 44-year-old woman from El Salvador was rescued after spending 20 hours in the sea.
   • The passenger went overboard from the Royal Caribbean ship Odyssey of the Seas.
   • The incident took place in the Ionian Sea southwest of the island of Zakynthos.
   • The woman was found clinging to a lifebuoy.
   • An MSC containership located the overboard passenger.
   • The search operation included two coastguard boats, a navy helicopter, and the cruise ship.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The passenger jumped overboard because she wanted to disembark.

   What to watch next

   • Official investigation into the safety protocols of Odyssey of the Seas
   • Medical reports on the passenger's condition after 20 hours at sea
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Euronews.com — Woman, 44, rescued after 20 hours in sea: Greek coastguard
   2. The Maritime Executive — Video: MSC Containership Locates Overboard Cruise Passenger After 20 Hours
   3. People.com — 44-Year-Old Passenger Who Went Overboard Mid-Cruise Found Alive After Nearly 24 Hours at Sea
   4. CBS News — Royal Caribbean cruise passenger who went overboard rescued after she spent 20 hours at sea, Greek coastguard says
   5. FOX 8 News — Woman found floating in the sea after falling from Royal Caribbean cruise
   6. New York Post — Woman, 44, found floating in sea after going overboard on Royal Caribbean cruise ship
   7. Yahoo — Royal Caribbean Female Passenger Survives 20 Hours Adrift and Alone in Open Sea
   8. WSB-TV — Woman rescued after going overboard on Royal Caribbean cruise
   9. www.wbbjtv.com — Overboard cruise ship passenger rescued after 20 hours in the water, officials say
   10. KOMO — Cruise passenger rescued 20 hours after jumping overboard says she 'wanted to disembark'
   11. The Daily Beast — Search for Cruise Passenger Who Went Overboard Ends in Shock Discovery
   12. 10TV — Woman rescued 20 hours after going overboard from cruise ship
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