A 72-year-old man is feared dead after falling overboard from the Ruby Princess, a cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, during a five-day voyage along Mexico's coastline. The man, who was traveling alone, was reported missing as the ship docked in San Francisco on Monday morning, December 3.
The ship had departed on November 27 for a round trip from San Francisco to Ensenada, Mexico. According to Princess Cruises, the passenger was last seen alive onboard during the voyage. The exact timing and circumstances of the fall are unclear, but the cruise line confirmed it is treating the case as a man-overboard incident.
Crew members conducted an extensive search of the ship and thoroughly reviewed CCTV footage, but they could not locate the missing individual. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the guest during this difficult time," Princess Cruises said in a statement. The company also reported that it is cooperating fully with authorities in their investigation.
Passengers on the Ruby Princess reportedly remained unaware of the situation until the ship returned to its home port in San Francisco. The cruise line stated that operations and planned activities onboard proceeded as scheduled while the search and investigation continued.
While incidents of individuals falling overboard from cruise ships are rare, they often result in tragic outcomes. Recovery efforts are especially challenging due to the vastness of the ocean and the unpredictability of circumstances surrounding such events.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been notified of the situation, although no active search has been announced at this time. Local authorities in San Francisco are working with Princess Cruises to determine additional details and establish a clearer timeline of events.
The Ruby Princess, which can accommodate over 3,000 passengers, has been in service since 2008 and is a popular vessel for scenic coastal journeys. Despite the ongoing investigation, it is expected to continue its scheduled itineraries.
This incident is the latest in a series of rare but serious safety concerns involving passengers aboard cruise ships. Travelers are often reminded of safety protocols, including securing themselves on open decks and promptly reporting suspicious or concerning activity to ship staff.
