News

Authorities in St Maarten have launched a public appeal to help locate Ann Evans, a 55-year-old cruise passenger who did not return to her ship after going on a shore excursion earlier this week.

Evans was travelling aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam when she was reported missing during a port visit to the Caribbean island.

Passenger Failed to Return From Shore Excursion

The ship, sailing a 12-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, arrived in St Maarten on Thursday, 20th November 2025.

According to police, Evans disembarked the ship at around 10 am as part of an organised tour.

She left the tour bus at a scheduled stop in Marigot, on the French side of the island, but did not return to the bus or make her way back to the ship later that day.

“Efforts to locate Ms Evans are ongoing, and law enforcement authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have been alerted.”

St Maarten Police

Authorities Issue Public Appeal

Police have asked anyone who may have seen Evans or has information about her whereabouts to contact local authorities immediately.

They also issued a direct message to the missing passenger.

“If Ms Evans herself sees this message, she is kindly requested to contact her family, the Police Force of Sint Maarten, or the French Gendarmerie as soon as possible to confirm her safety,” the statement said.

Images of Evans have been shared across social media as part of the search effort.

In a later update, the St Maarten police said that they had reason to believe a woman matching Evans’ description, and carrying her passport, had checked into a hotel on the island.

However, they have not verified whether this is Evans, and have still put out a message asking her to reach out to both police and her family to confirm her safety.

Ship Continued Voyage as Scheduled

Despite the ongoing search, Rotterdam continued its cruise as planned and is due to return to Port Everglades on Friday, 28th November 2025.

The ship carries up to 2,668 guests at double occupancy, rising to over 4,000 passengers when fully booked.

It remains unclear whether Evans has any personal links to St Maarten or the wider region.

Comparisons With Previous Cruise Disappearances

The circumstances have drawn comparisons with other recent cruise-related disappearances where passengers failed to return from shore leave.

In some past cases, passengers later confirmed they were safe and had chosen not to re-join their cruise. However, at this time, authorities stress that nothing has been confirmed regarding Evans’ situation.

Police say the priority remains locating her and confirming her wellbeing.

How to Share Information

Anyone with information on Ann Evans’ whereabouts is urged to contact:

• The Police Force of Sint Maarten
• The French Gendarmerie
• Or local emergency services on the island

The search is ongoing, and authorities continue to ask for public assistance in locating the missing passenger.

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Spanish maritime authorities have launched a major air and sea search after a 76-year-old British cruise passenger reportedly went overboard from Marella Explorer 2 in waters north of the Canary Islands.

The incident occurred while the ship was sailing from Madeira towards the Canary Islands, with the alarm raised after the passenger was seen entering the water.

Emergency Response Activated at Sea

Spain’s maritime rescue service confirmed the search began immediately and resumed at first light the following morning.

“It has been confirmed he went overboard and is aged 76. The search for him started yesterday and is continuing today,” a spokesperson said.

Once alerted, the ship’s captain slowed the vessel and activated emergency procedures, which included:

• Reviewing onboard CCTV footage
• Deploying marker buoys
• Carrying out circular search patterns

Search Focused Off Tenerife Coast

According to local reports, the incident took place around 16 nautical miles off Punta de Teno, on the north-west coast of Tenerife.

Rescue teams deployed:

• Two specialist search vessels
• An emergency helicopter

The operation is being made more difficult by deep waters and strong currents, which authorities say can reach around two knots in the area.

So far, officials have confirmed that no trace of the missing passenger has been found.

TUI Confirms Overboard Incident

TUI, which operates Marella Cruises, confirmed the incident in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time,”

TUI statement

TUI added that a care team is supporting the passenger’s family and that the cruise line is fully cooperating with local authorities as the search continues.

Investigation Ongoing

Search operations remain active, with Spanish authorities continuing coordinated efforts by air and sea. No further details about the circumstances of the incident have been released.

The ship was en route through a remote stretch of ocean when the incident occurred, where rescue efforts are often complicated by currents, depth and weather conditions.

Authorities have not confirmed how long the search will continue.

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Royal Caribbean has been forced to cancel some early preview experiences at its highly anticipated Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau, after ongoing construction meant the private resort was not ready in time for invited guests.

The beach club, located in the Bahamas, is still scheduled to officially open on 23rd December 2025, but the cancelled previews suggest the project is running close to deadline.

Preview Experiences Cancelled for Selected Sailings

A small number of guests sailing aboard Symphony of the Seas had been invited to take part in exclusive, invitation-only previews of the new beach club before it officially opened.

The ship was due to call at Nassau on 15th December 2025, just eight days before the planned grand opening. However, Royal Caribbean has now withdrawn at least one of those preview opportunities.

In an email sent to affected guests, the cruise line said:

“A few weeks ago, we invited you to be among the first to enjoy a special sneak peek of this brand-new destination.

“Construction is still in progress, and while the island is shaping up beautifully, it’s not quite ready for guests just yet.

“Our original plan was to have you help us experience everything Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will offer, but we want to make sure it meets the exceptional standards we’ve envisioned before opening it to you.”

Although the preview visit was complimentary, Royal Caribbean confirmed that impacted guests will receive exclusive Paradise Island-themed gifts in their cabins as a goodwill gesture.

Official Opening Date Still Stands

Despite the cancellation of some early visits, Royal Caribbean has not delayed the official opening date of the resort.

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is still expected to welcome paying guests from 23rd December 2025, a date that was previously brought forward from 27th December.

Recent images from the site show continued progress, with pools already filled and colourful ferry boats in place, though construction remains ongoing across parts of the complex.

Other Sailings May Also Be Affected

Further preview visits scheduled in the days before the official launch could also be changed or cancelled at short notice.

Ships currently due to call at Nassau in the lead-up to opening include:

• Wonder of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Freedom of the Seas
• Allure of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Adventure of the Seas

Radiance of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are expected to be among the first ships to visit the beach club once it fully opens.

First of Royal Caribbean’s Dedicated Beach Clubs

Royal Beach Club Paradise Island marks Royal Caribbean’s first fully developed beach club concept, separate from its private islands.

Once operational, day passes are expected to start from $109.99 for children aged 4–12 and $129.99 for adults, with access to pools, beaches, dining venues and live entertainment.

For now, the cruise line says its focus is on completing construction to ensure the venue meets guest expectations when it officially opens later this year.

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Family entertainment act The Animal Guyz have announced a continued partnership with P&O Cruises for 2026, alongside a brand-new contract with Norwegian Cruise Line for US sailings.

The UK-based group, known for their high-energy animal education shows without live animals, will expand their presence at sea following two successful years at sea.

P&O Cruises: wider fleet and new shows for 2026

In 2026, The Animal Guyz will return to P&O Cruises, appearing across three ships.

Arvia and Ventura will host the team with two of their productions, Animals Unleashed and Animals Go Wild. These interactive shows combine puppetry, animatronics, comedy and audience participation.

Iona will see a different side of the act, with Jurassic Cruise and a new Dino Rocks stage show. These performances bring dinosaurs to life using large-scale effects and are led by the team’s in-house palaeontologist, David.

The group said they have been warmly welcomed by P&O Cruises over the last two years and are looking forward to bringing new experiences to guests in 2026. Dates are expected to be released next week.

First-time contract with Norwegian Cruise Line

The group has also confirmed their first contract with Norwegian Cruise Line, marking their debut on US sailings.

From May through to September 2025, The Animal Guyz will perform weekly aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore on Alaska sailings from Seattle. The shows have been created exclusively for NCL and focus on Arctic wildlife and ocean habitats.

The new partnership represents a significant step for the UK act, taking their style of educational entertainment to American cruise audiences for the first time.

Who are The Animal Guyz?

The Animal Guyz are known as “the UK’s leading animal show with no live animals”. Instead of real animals, they use master puppetry, animatronics and special effects to create life-like creatures on stage.

Their shows are built around the idea of ‘learning through laughter’, combining education with comedy in a family-friendly format.

By avoiding live animals, the group promotes animal welfare while still delivering immersive performances.

A friend of mine has seen one of their shows and described it as “hilarious but poignant” – and said he would even consider booking a cruise just to see them again!

Strong reaction from cruise fans

The announcement has been met with strong support from fans and cruisers on social media.

One cruiser described the news as “brilliant” and joked about volunteering to carry their cases. Another former guest said the Alaska cruise on Norwegian Bliss was “an incredible ship” and called the group “a fab addition to the entertainment team”.

Several P&O guests also shared positive feedback. One passenger who previously saw the show on Iona said it was “excellent” and emotional, while others said the group were “well deserved” and “going global”.

A travel agent commented that they regularly recommend The Animal Guyz to cruise customers, describing the NCL news as “amazing”.

With expanded sailings across both UK and US cruise lines now confirmed, The Animal Guyz are set for their biggest year at sea so far.

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Dense fog forced the closure of Port Tampa Bay on 24th November 2025, delaying both arriving and departing cruise ships and disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers.

The affected vessels were Carnival Paradise and Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which were unable to navigate Tampa Bay safely for several hours due to dangerously low visibility.

The port was eventually reopened once conditions improved, allowing both ships to resume their slow transit towards their cruise terminals later in the afternoon.

Port Closure Causes Major Guest Disruption

The temporary shutdown created knock-on effects for both disembarking guests trying to get home and embarking passengers beginning new sailings.

Carnival Paradise was returning from a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise that departed Tampa on 20th November 2025, while Margaritaville at Sea Islander was completing a 6-night sailing that began on 18th November 2025.

Both ships were held offshore until visibility in the channel improved enough to allow safe passage.

Carnival Paradise Faces Late Departure

Carnival Paradise’s next sailing, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise, was significantly delayed.

At around 3 pm, Carnival Cruise Line sent an update to waiting passengers outlining revised terminal arrival times.

The cruise line shifted embarkation appointments by around nine hours, compressing check-in windows to speed up the process:

• Original 10–11am now 7–7.30pm
• Original 11am–12pm now 7.30–8pm
• Original 12–1pm now 8–8.30pm
• Original 1–2pm now 8.30–9pm

Carnival also confirmed that:

• Main dining rooms would offer open seating
• The Lido Marketplace buffet would be open
• Staterooms would be available on boarding

The cruise line warned that the itinerary may be adjusted once the ship departed.

Margaritaville at Sea Islander Also Impacted

Margaritaville at Sea Islander, which was returning from a 6-night cruise, also experienced significant disruption.

Debarkation was pushed back to around 4.15pm, with embarkation for the next 4-night Cozumel sailing beginning at approximately 6.30pm.

Earlier in the day, the cruise line had advised guests to delay their arrival at the terminal, warning of a six-hour delay.

The ship’s upcoming itinerary includes:

• One port of call in Cozumel
• A sea day before the port visit
• A sea day after, allowing flexibility to absorb schedule changes

Fog Eventually Clears

By late afternoon, the fog lifted enough for both ships to begin moving through Tampa Bay.

Once underway, the vessels resumed their transit towards their terminals, bringing relief to both arriving passengers and those anxious to begin their long-awaited cruises.

Cruise lines thanked guests for their patience, stressing that safety remained the top priority during the weather-related disruption.

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The death of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old guest found dead in her cabin aboard Carnival Horizon, has now been formally classified as a homicide.

A death certificate issued on 24th November 2025 and shared with ABC News by the family lists the manner of death as “mechanical asphyxia”, stating that Kepner “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s)”.

Death Certificate Confirms Asphyxiation

The new documentation aligns with earlier reporting from sources close to the investigation, who said Kepner had died as a result of a bar hold, a form of choking that applies pressure to the victim’s neck.

The updated certificate now records the date of injury as 6th November 2025, while the exact time of death remains unknown.

Previously, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner had cited 11.17am on 7th November 2025 as the time of death. That detail is now expected to be revised.

Kepner’s body was discovered under a bed in her cabin on 7th November 2025, concealed with a sheet and life jackets. FBI agents were present when the ship later arrived back in PortMiami.

Autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending.

No Arrests as Investigation Continues

Despite the homicide ruling, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed at the time of publication.

Investigators have examined the movements of people who shared the cabin with Kepner, including her 16-year-old step-brother, who has been referenced in court documents as a person of interest. He has not been charged, and authorities have not publicly named a suspect.

Court filings show that Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in unrelated custody proceedings, stating that “a criminal case may be initiated” involving one of her children.

Security footage reviewed by investigators has reportedly been used to build a timeline of the final hours, though those videos have not been released publicly.

Grandparents Defend Blended Family

Amid rising public speculation, Kepner’s grandparents spoke out in an exclusive interview with ABC News, urging caution and sharing a different perspective on the family dynamic.

Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner described a close relationship between Anna and her step-brother.

“They were two peas in a pod,” Barbara Kepner said.

The grandparents explained that the teenagers chose to share a cabin by choice and had the option to sleep elsewhere if they felt uncomfortable.

“We made it very clear that at any time if they weren’t getting along … we had an extra bed in our room that they could come to,” she said.

They also described the step-brother as deeply distressed after Anna’s death.

“He was an emotional mess. He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t believe what had happened,” Barbara said.

According to the grandparents, the teenager was later hospitalised for psychiatric observation after the ship returned to Miami.

Carnival Cruise Line Response

Carnival Cruise Line has previously confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities and supporting the family during the ongoing investigation.

The ship, Carnival Horizon, continues to operate its schedule, despite recent unrelated propulsion issues.

Authorities continue to gather evidence and await final medical reports. While the death has now officially been ruled a homicide, investigators have emphasised that the case remains active, and no formal suspect has been publicly identified.

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A 38-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly attacking an elderly passenger aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore during embarkation in Miami.

The incident reportedly took place at around 2 pm on Saturday 22nd November 2025, as guests were boarding the ship for a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise sailing round-trip from Florida.

What Allegedly Happened Onboard

According to a police report, the confrontation began when a 67-year-old passenger told Phillip Andrew Ortiz not to enter a hallway that was not yet open to new guests.

Investigators allege the exchange quickly escalated. Ortiz is said to have shouted:

“Who the f— are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”

The older passenger reportedly pushed back after being shoved, leading to a physical struggle over the door.

Police allege that Ortiz then charged at the victim, tripped him and caused him to hit his head on the floor.

The report further claims Ortiz placed his full body weight on the man, who then lost consciousness. Ortiz is also accused of leaving the area without attempting to help.

Other Guests Performed CPR

Passengers nearby reportedly stepped in to help.

“Passengers (administered) CPR on the victim, because they did not find a (pulse),” the police report states.

The victim was later revived by medical staff and taken to University of Miami Hospital for further treatment.

Ortiz’s wife is also alleged to have pushed the victim during the incident, although it is unclear whether she will face charges.

Legal Proceedings and Custody Status

Ortiz was arrested by Miami-Dade deputies shortly after the incident.

Police said he “had the (opportunity) to end this confrontation, but chose to force his way back into the area and continue his aggression towards the victim.”

He was originally charged with aggravated battery on a person aged 65 or older, though this has reportedly since been downgraded to battery on a person 65 or older.

As of the latest available information, Ortiz remained in custody, with no bond yet listed in Miami-Dade County’s inmate system.

His attorney, Stephan Lopez, indicated during an initial court hearing on 24th November 2025 that the defence may pursue a claim of self-defence, despite surveillance footage and witness statements reportedly suggesting Ortiz was the aggressor.

Norwegian Cruise Line Response

Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the arrest and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards violence.

In a statement, the cruise line said:

“On Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 while the ship was docked in Miami, Mr. Ortiz was arrested by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after assaulting a 67-year old male guest who was later transported to a shoreside hospital for further treatment.

“We have zero-tolerance for violence of any kind on our ships and are committed to providing a safe cruising experience for all aboard.”

It is widely expected that Ortiz and those involved may face a lifetime ban from sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Not the First Incident on Norwegian Encore

This is not the first serious incident linked to the ship. In May 2024, a crew member was arrested in Alaska after reportedly assaulting multiple individuals following erratic behaviour.

The investigation into this latest incident remains ongoing.

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Carnival Cruise Line has quietly introduced a new restriction to its popular CHEERS! drinks package, extending the waiting time between drinks from five minutes to 10 minutes.

The change has not been formally announced, but it is now confirmed in the cruise line’s published terms and conditions, with guests only noticing the update in recent days.

While the overall structure of the CHEERS! package remains the same, including the 15-drink-per-day cap, the key difference is the increased delay between orders.

Carnival’s updated policy now states:

“Only one drink at a time may be ordered, there is a 10-minute wait time between orders and sharing is not permitted. No double shots as that will be considered ordering two drinks at once.”

Archived versions of the cruise line’s FAQ confirm the wait time was previously five minutes as recently as early October 2025.

How the New Rule Affects the Onboard Experience

For some guests, the change is minor, and unlikely to even be noticed.

For others, it affects how they typically enjoy drinks onboard, especially those who prefer to order combinations such as a beer and a shot, or a cocktail and a soft drink.

The restriction also applies to non-alcoholic beverages, meaning guests cannot order a soft drink and an alcoholic drink at the same time.

Inconsistent Onboard Enforcement

Some passengers have reported that the rule appears to be applied inconsistently across ships and bars, with a few still able to order a cocktail and a soft drink together.

However, the written policy is now clear, and staff are expected to enforce the stricter timing as standard.

Carnival has not issued an official explanation for the updated policy, but industry observers and frequent cruisers have speculated on several possible reasons:

• Reducing excessive consumption
• Limiting drink-sharing between passengers
• Controlling overall onboard beverage costs

Sharing drinks has always been forbidden under the CHEERS! package rules, but enforcing that can be difficult.

A longer gap between orders may make informal sharing less practical, encouraging more people to buy their own drinks package.

What Has Not Changed

Despite the new restriction, several key parts of the package remain the same:

• The 15-drink daily limit (for alcoholic drinks) still applies
• Coverage still includes most beers, wines, spirits and cocktails
• Package pricing itself has not changed as part of this update

The update has sparked mixed reactions, with some guests saying it will barely affect their holiday, while others feel it reduces the value and convenience of the package.

So far, Carnival has made no public statement, and it remains unclear whether further beverage policy adjustments could follow.

One thing is certain: passengers who rely on rapid-fire drink orders may need to slightly adjust their onboard routine.

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A 73-year-old Australian man has died after going overboard from Disney Wonder while the ship was sailing across the Tasman Sea towards New Zealand.

The man, from Moonee Ponds in Melbourne, is believed to have “jumped” from the ship in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to a police statement. Authorities have confirmed his body has not been recovered.

Ship Turns Back for Search Operation

Disney Wonder altered course and launched a large-scale search and rescue operation after the incident.

According to reports from passengers and local media, the man is understood to have gone overboard at around 4:30 am, though many guests only became aware of the situation several hours later when the ship changed direction.

Crew members reportedly searched for around five hours, using specialist equipment including thermal imaging cameras, before the search was called off.

Passenger Mitch Talbot told Australian media:

“The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger had fallen overboard … (but) that they were unable to find them. It was quite sombre and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day.”

Police Statement and Coroner Report

Victoria Police confirmed they are preparing a report for the Coroner, as is standard procedure in such cases.

A police spokesperson said the death is not being treated as suspicious, and confirmed that the man’s body has not yet been found.

Cruise Continues With Delayed Arrival

Following the unsuccessful search, Disney Wonder resumed its planned itinerary towards Auckland, New Zealand.

The ship is now expected to arrive later than originally scheduled, with passengers due to disembark later this week. However there are conflicting reports on how late the ship will be, with efforts to make up lost time.

At this time, Disney Cruise Line has not released a public statement beyond standard operational acknowledgements.

A Tragic Reminder of the Rarity, but Reality, of Overboard Incidents

Man overboard incidents remain rare in the cruise industry, but when they do occur, they typically trigger immediate and large-scale emergency procedures.

The mood onboard was described as subdued by several passengers, as crew and guests processed the seriousness of the situation.

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A cruise guest who returned late to her ship in Ensenada, Mexico, has gone viral after being filmed making offensive gestures towards fellow passengers watching from onboard.

The incident, shared on social media, shows an unidentified woman walking slowly towards the gangway while raising her middle finger at guests gathered on open decks and balconies.

The footage was reportedly captured during a recent Carnival cruise call in Ensenada.

What Happened on the Pier

According to passengers who witnessed the scene, the woman arrived well after the advertised “all aboard” time and was part of a small group returning late to the ship.

“This lady was the last to board in Ensenada and spent even more time flipping everyone off,” one passenger wrote in a post shared on Reddit.

Other guests said that two passengers ahead of her had sprinted back to the ship and were met with cheers after shouting apologies to those onboard.

The final pair, however, were met with boos due to their behaviour.

“I was here booing them… It was a group of four, the first two ran so we started cheering them and these two were flipping us off and getting booed. Think it was about 20 minutes past the time we were supposed to depart,” another cruise guest commented.

While the ship has not been officially confirmed, the sailing is believed to have been Carnival Firenze, which visited Ensenada on 17th November 2025.

Why ‘Pier Running’ Is So Controversial

So-called “pier running” has long been a flashpoint among cruise passengers. The term refers to guests who return to the ship at the very last minute, or even after departure time, often forcing a delay.

There’s often an almost pantomime element to these instances – people who are gathered on open decks to watch the ship sail away will cheer as the pier runners make their return as a light-hearted way of embarrassing the late guests, typically without it being mean-spirited.

And while some late arrivals are cheered as light entertainment, the reality is that delays can disrupt sailing schedules, increase port costs and cause frustration for thousands of guests who returned on time.

Industry rules are strict. If passengers are not back before the all-aboard time, ships will usually sail without them, unless they are on a cruise line organised excursion.

Could There Be Consequences?

Carnival Cruise Line, like most cruise operators, enforces a Code of Conduct that governs guest behaviour. Breaching it can result in onboard fines, restrictions or even removal from the ship in serious cases.

It is not known whether any action was taken against the guest involved in this incident.

Pier runners may be spoken to by crew members to remind them of their responsibilities – the antagonistic approach of these runners could get them a sterner talking-to.

Online reaction to the video has been overwhelmingly critical, with many saying the behaviour crossed a line.

“I wonder if she is drunk? If I was security I would be kicking her off the ship for doing that and making the ship wait on her,” one commenter wrote.

Another joked that they would have been tempted to hurry the gangway up themselves.

A Risky Game

Beyond etiquette, returning late is a genuine risk. Guests who miss their ship must organise their own transport to the next port of call or back home, often at significant personal expense.

In this case, the guest was fortunate to make it back onboard. The reaction from fellow passengers, however, shows that being late is one thing but the attitude shown afterwards can leave an even worse impression.

For most experienced cruisers, the unwritten rule remains simple: enjoy the port time, but be back early and let the drama stay on shore.

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