An extensive search operation is currently underway for Edmond Bradley Solomon, a 66-year-old cruise passenger who went missing during a stop in Cozumel, Mexico. Solomon, who was traveling on Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas, disembarked in Cozumel on April 3, 2024, and failed to return before the ship's departure. Given Solomon's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, which affects communication and complex cognitive functions, the urgency to locate him is particularly high.
Solomon's disappearance occurred during a family vacation on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise. After becoming separated from his family in Cozumel, one of the Caribbean's busiest cruise ports, his absence was promptly reported to local authorities by his wife, Mimi. She has since stayed behind in Cozumel, hopeful for any news of her husband's whereabouts.
A local taxi driver reported picking up a tourist matching Solomon's description, who exchanged his wristwatch for the fare to a beach, further complicating the search efforts. Authorities are focusing their search on the La Pasión island area of Cozumel's northern shore, utilizing land, air, and sea resources, as well as video surveillance and community alerts via social media.
The community's response has been swift, with local police and other agencies mobilizing an intensive search operation. Solomon was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray shorts, a blue cap, sunglasses, and white shoes. To support the ongoing search efforts and assist Solomon's wife during this challenging time, family members have initiated a GoFundMe campaign.
Despite the incident, Icon of the Seas continued on its scheduled itinerary, which had already included stops in Costa Maya and Roatan before Cozumel. The ship, known as the world's largest cruise vessel, hosts thousands of guests and was fully booked during the busy spring break period.
Given Solomon's medical condition, which includes symptoms such as lack of judgment, loss of inhibition, and difficulty with language, the search for him is fraught with challenges. The incident has drawn attention to the need for heightened safety and support measures for individuals with dementia while traveling.
As the search for Solomon continues, the hope remains that he will be found safe and reunited with his family. The incident underscores the importance of community vigilance and the critical role of prompt reporting and response in such situations.
