How Many People Have Gone Missing on a Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are a popular form of transportation that allow people to experience the beauty of the open seas. But, unfortunately, there is always a risk of something going wrong when travelling on a cruise ship. Over the years, there have been reports of people going missing while aboard a cruise ship, with many never found.

The most common cause of someone going missing aboard a cruise ship is an accidental fall overboard. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), approximately 300 people fall overboard from cruise ships each year. It’s believed that around one-third of these individuals are never found alive again.

In addition to accidental falls overboard, passengers have also gone missing for other reasons. In some cases, passengers have become ill and passed away without anyone knowing their whereabouts at the time.

In other cases, passengers may have opted to jump ship in an effort to start a new life elsewhere. There have even been instances where crew members or stowaways were reported as missing after they were believed to be on board the vessel illegally.

The exact number of people who have gone missing on cruises ships is unknown. The CLIA reported that in 2016 there were 17 reported incidents involving missing persons on cruise lines which had been certified by CLIA’s Member Cruise Lines in 2015 and 2016 combined. However, this does not account for all incidents as it only takes into account those that occurred on cruises operated by CLIA member lines during this period.

It’s important to note that the vast majority of passengers who go on cruises return safely. Cruise ships are generally very safe vessels and follow strict protocols and procedures for passenger safety. However, with any form of travel there is always a degree of risk involved and it’s important to take appropriate precautions when travelling aboard a cruise ship or any other type of vessel for that matter.

In conclusion, while it is impossible to know exactly how many people have gone missing on cruise ships over the years, it is clear that this is an issue which needs more attention. Passengers need to be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions when travelling by sea in order to ensure their safety at all times.