How Many People Have Gone Missing From Cruise Ship?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships are a popular form of recreation, especially for those who want to explore new lands. But unfortunately, they can also be the source of some tragic disappearances. Many people have gone missing from cruise ships and gone without a trace.

The cruise industry is not required to report all disappearances, as they are not legally obligated to do so. However, according to the International Cruise Victims Association, there were over 2,000 reported cases of people going missing from cruise ships between 2000 and 2011. This number is likely much higher in reality, as many families choose not to report their loved one’s disappearance due to the stigma associated with it.

The Reasons for Disappearances

There are several reasons why someone may go missing from a cruise ship. Some passengers may become disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings and fall overboard without anyone noticing.

Others may have accidentally slipped while on deck and been swept away by the sea’s current. In some cases, passengers may have jumped overboard intentionally due to mental health issues or other personal reasons. Finally, there have also been reports of foul play such as abduction or murder aboard cruise ships.

Investigations

When a passenger goes missing from a cruise ship, an investigation is launched immediately by the onboard security team and the local authorities in port if necessary. The investigation involves interviewing witnesses and searching CCTV footage for any clues as to what happened in the moments leading up to the disappearance. In some cases, a search-and-rescue operation is launched if there is reason enough to believe that the person has gone overboard or was taken off-ship by force.

Precautions

Cruise lines have taken steps in recent years to increase safety onboard their vessels by introducing more cameras throughout public areas and better tracking systems for passengers on shore excursions. Additionally, many ships now offer life jackets for all passengers in case of an emergency at sea.

Conclusion:

The exact number of people who have gone missing from cruise ships will never be known since many families choose not to report such incidents out of fear or shame; however, it is clear that this phenomenon exists and that steps must be taken both onboard vessels and on land in order to ensure passenger safety during these types of vacations.