Crime & Safety
Woman's Body Found Off Coast After Falling From Cruise Ship Near Port Canaveral
A woman traveling on the Meraviglia fell from the cruise ship and died as it was returning to Port Canaveral, authorities said.
PORT CANAVERAL, FL — A woman's body was found Thursday after she fell from a cruise ship that was returning to port in Florida, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials and reports.
The woman's body was found 18 miles offshore near Port Canaveral, the Coast Guard said in a tweet. Officials identified her only as a 36-year-old woman.
Officials said she was traveling on the Meraviglia, which is owned and operated by MSC Cruises.
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The ship was returning to Florida from the Bahamas, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
In a statement provided to NBC News, the company said the ship's "advanced detection systems" alerted the crew about an overboard passenger.
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"The crew performed an immediate search and rescue operation, alongside the US Coast Guard who supported search efforts with boats and a helicopter," MSC Cruises said. "Unfortunately, despite the rapid rescue operation, the passenger sustained fatal injuries. We are offering our full support to authorities as they investigate this matter."
The Coast Guard is investigating the woman's death.
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