It has been a sombre day aboard Norwegian Star following confirmation of an overboard incident during the ship’s current transatlantic voyage.
The 14-night, one-way cruise departed New York on 7th August 2025 and is bound for Reykjavik, Iceland, with port calls in Canada, Greenland, and Iceland along the way.
The emergency unfolded at around 5 am on Tuesday, 12th August, while the vessel was sailing in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, en route to Nuuk, Greenland.
Passengers reported being awoken by a series of short blasts from the ship’s horn, followed by a “Code Oscar” announcement – the emergency code used to signal a person overboard.
Several guests have claimed to have seen lifeboats lowered and one reported witnessing a recovery.
While there is speculation that the person did not survive, this has not been officially confirmed.
The frigid water temperatures in the region – currently about 13°C (55°F) – would make survival beyond a short period extremely challenging without protective gear.
A Brief Search
Tracking data indicates Norwegian Star slowed and briefly turned back along her course, consistent with a search-and-rescue operation.
In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the overboard involved a 79-year-old male guest.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our guests… was reported to have gone overboard while the ship was sailing to Greenland. The appropriate authorities have been contacted and an investigation is ongoing,” the cruise line said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Rescue boats were launched immediately but returned shortly afterwards, with the ship later resuming her journey.
The incident has not affected Norwegian Star’s itinerary, which includes Nuuk on 14th August before continuing to further calls in Greenland and Iceland.
This sailing has already included calls at Halifax, Sydney, and Corner Brook – the latter marking Norwegian Star’s first-ever visit to the port in her 24-year history.
The 91,740-gross-ton vessel accommodates 2,348 guests and is staffed by approximately 1,000 crew members.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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