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Royal Caribbean Passenger Overboard in Greece: Woman Rescued Alive After 20 Hours at Sea

A dramatic search-and-rescue operation in Greece concluded successfully after a Royal Caribbean cruise passenger who went overboard was found alive in the Ionian Sea, having survived roughly 20 hours adrift in open water.

The Incident Aboard Odyssey of the Seas

The emergency unfolded aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, a 1,138-foot Royal Caribbean vessel sailing southwest of the Greek island of Zakynthos during a week-long Mediterranean itinerary. Authorities were alerted that a 44-year-old female passenger, identified as a Salvadoran national, had entered the water. According to statements from the Hellenic Coast Guard, the passenger later claimed she jumped from the cruise ship because she wanted to disembark.

The Search and Maritime Rescue Operation

Immediately following the man-overboard alert, a coordinated multi-agency search was initiated:

• Coordinating Agencies: The Hellenic Coast Guard deployed patrol boats, supported by a Hellenic Air Force helicopter and nearby commercial vessels diverted to assist in the search zone.

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• Crucial Discovery: The woman was located in the dark by the crew of the passing cargo vessel MSC Rossella III. A light attached to a circular lifebuoy she was holding onto allowed lookouts to spot her in the water.

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• Recovery: A Greek Coast Guard vessel retrieved her from the sea, where video footage confirmed she was conscious and able to pull herself toward rescuers via a thrown lifeline.

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Medical Evaluation and Status

After being pulled from the Ionian Sea, the passenger received initial first aid for exposure and hypothermia. She was transported to the mainland port of Katakolo and subsequently transferred by ambulance to a hospital in Pyrgos for comprehensive monitoring, physical examinations, and an evaluation ordered by local prosecutors.

Royal Caribbean deployed its passenger Care Team to assist her family as the Katakolo Port Authority and maritime officials continue their formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.