Passenger Reported Missing After Going Overboard on Norwegian Jewel Bound for Miami

A tragic incident occurred aboard the Norwegian Jewel, a cruise ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, as a passenger reportedly went overboard while the vessel was en route from Ponta Delgada, Portugal, to Miami, according to a company spokesperson.

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed that the incident took place on Monday, October 20, 2025, while the ship was crossing the Atlantic Ocean on its return voyage to Miami.

In an official statement, the cruise line said:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, we were notified that a guest was reported to have gone overboard while the ship was sailing from Ponta Delgada, Portugal to Miami. The appropriate authorities were immediately notified, and an extensive search and rescue operation with multiple vessels was conducted. The search was unfortunately unsuccessful, and the ship was released by authorities to continue its voyage. Our team is attending to the guest’s loved ones during this very difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Authorities in both Portugal and the United States were notified immediately. Multiple vessels joined the search and rescue operation, but despite extensive efforts, the passenger was not located.

The individual’s identity has not yet been released, and the Norwegian Jewel is expected to arrive in Miami early next week.

Overboard incidents aboard cruise ships—although rare—remain a significant concern in the maritime industry. According to data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the U.S. Coast Guard, dozens of passengers fall or are reported missing from cruise ships worldwide each year.

Common contributing factors include:

• Inadequate safety barriers or railings
• Lack of man-overboard detection systems
• Intoxication or over-serving of alcohol
• Slip and fall accidents due to wet decks or poor lighting
• Negligent security or delayed response times

Cruise lines have a legal duty of care to protect passengers from foreseeable harm while aboard. When a passenger goes overboard, investigators often examine whether the cruise line failed to implement proper safety measures or delayed notifying rescue authorities.

Cruise ship injury and wrongful death claims are governed by federal maritime law, which differs significantly from traditional personal injury claims filed on land.

Under maritime law and the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA, 46 U.S.C. §30301 et seq.), a cruise line may be held liable if its negligence contributed to a passenger’s death occurring more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores.

Potential areas of negligence include:

• Failing to maintain adequate surveillance systems
• Failing to promptly initiate a man-overboard search
• Failing to properly train crew members on rescue procedures
• Over-serving alcohol or failing to monitor intoxicated guests
• Lack of proper signage, lighting, or barriers on open decks

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (46 U.S.C. §3507) requires cruise ships to install man-overboard detection and video monitoring systems. However, enforcement of this law has been inconsistent, and many vessels still lack advanced detection technology capable of immediately alerting crew members when someone falls overboard.

What Happens After an Overboard Incident

After a passenger is reported missing, the cruise line is required to:

1. Immediately notify maritime authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard.
2. Stop the ship or alter course to assist in rescue operations, unless ordered otherwise by authorities.
3. Preserve all surveillance footage and other evidence.
4. Document witness statements and crew logs.
5. File an official incident report with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if foul play is suspected.

Families should request all available records as soon as possible, as cruise lines may retain control over key evidence, including CCTV footage, incident logs, and internal communications.

Legal Options for Families After a Cruise Ship Overboard Death

When a passenger disappears or is presumed dead following an overboard incident, their family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under maritime law or federal statutes such as DOHSA.

A wrongful death claim may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and emotional distress
• Pre-death pain and suffering (if provable)

However, DOHSA restricts recovery to pecuniary (financial) losses only, which can make emotional loss claims more challenging unless another jurisdiction or theory of liability applies (such as negligence within three nautical miles of shore).

It is also important to note that most cruise tickets contain forum selection clauses requiring claims to be filed in Miami federal court, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Steps Families Should Take After a Cruise Ship Disappearance

If your loved one has gone missing or died aboard a cruise ship, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your legal rights:

1. Contact an attorney experienced in maritime and cruise ship law.
   Cruise ship claims are highly specialized and must comply with strict procedural and jurisdictional requirements.
2. Preserve all evidence and documentation.
   Request that the cruise line preserve CCTV footage, logs, and witness statements.
3. Obtain a copy of the passenger contract.
   Review the forum and arbitration clauses, which dictate where and how your claim must be filed.
4. File a claim within the statute of limitations.
   Under most cruise line contracts and federal law, passengers and their families have only one year to file a lawsuit.
5. Request communication records.
   Ask the cruise line for details regarding when the person was last seen, when the crew was notified, and when the search began.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience handling cruise ship overboard and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.

Our firm has represented victims and families against major cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, holding them accountable for negligence at sea.

We conduct detailed investigations by:

• Obtaining surveillance and ship logs through legal discovery.
• Working with maritime safety experts and accident reconstruction specialists.
• Identifying systemic safety failures, such as inadequate railing height or delayed emergency response.

We handle all cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your family.

If your loved one went missing or was killed aboard a cruise ship, you do not have to face this devastating situation alone. Our Miami-based maritime attorneys will stand by your side and fight to uncover the truth.

We serve clients throughout Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Orlando, and all port cities.