Exclusive:
Alarms were raised at 2am on Saturday, with the captain telling passengers there was a ‘man overboard’ – forcing the ship to slow down and crews to launch a huge search
A man has reportedly gone overboard an 18-deck cruise ship bound for Southampton, sparking a huge search in the middle of the night.
Alarms were raised to passengers aboard the MSC Virtuosa at 2am on Saturday, with the ship letting off “loud blasts” and the captain announcing there was a “man overboard” – forcing the ship to slow down and crews to launch the major search. One passenger told the Mirror that spotlights were used to light up the sea at 2am in a bid to find the missing man. The search covered north of Les Casquets rocks, west of Alderney.
A passenger onboard the ship told the Mirror loud blasts were heard at 2am with the ship slowed down and delayed in its arrival to Southampton. The traveller said: “At about 2am the ship let off loud blasts, I thought the ship was in trouble, then the captain announced ‘man overboard, man overboard, port side’ the ship slowed down and they had spotlights into the sea looking for him.
“At 2:30 they announced that they have a missing person and their thoughts and prayers are with the family, and that they are slowing the ship and we will be delayed getting to Southampton.”
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One person took to X claiming search crews “didn’t look for very long”, writing: “So sad seeing the person overboard on the MSC Virtuosa last night. Didn’t look for very long but I guess the schedule is more important. Still made us leave our rooms at 7:30! Hope they are found.”
The Maltese-flagged vessel, built in France in 2020, measures 332m (1,089ft) long and boasts 18 decks, accommodation for up to 6,334 passengers and 1,704 crew. Virtuosa was due to arrive in Southampton at 6:15am and depart at 8pm.
The ship also boasts a 4D cinema, bowling lanes, a casino, a game arcade, and a Formula 1 simulator. Passengers can also visit a theater hosting Broadway-style productions, as well as a lounge featuring Carousel Productions at Sea shows.
The Mirror has contacted the UK Coastguard, French Coastguard and the cruise ship for a statement.
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