The Norwegian Epic cruise ship in Miami in 2010.

Lynne Sladky/AP

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Lynne Sladky/AP

Rescue teams ended the search Friday for a 51-year-old man who fell overboard from the Norwegian Epic cruise ship en route to the Bahamas less than 24 hours after he was reported missing.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line told NPR that the man was reported missing around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday as the ship was traveling from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to Nassau, Bahamas.

A search and rescue operation was quickly carried out, but the mission became complicated when the sun set just hours later.

“After an extensive search, which was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities and continued its journey,” the Norwegian spokesman said.

“The guest was traveling with a large group and his family on board is being cared for and supported in this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

The circumstances surrounding the man’s fall were not immediately clear.

According to Cruise Junkie, the tragedy is the 19th overboard incident aboard a cruise ship this year – the most recent occurring less than a week ago.

On Saturday, a 48-year-old woman died after attempting to jump overboard from a Princess Cruises ship on her way back to Florida following a trip through the Caribbean.

The woman died from injuries sustained when she accidentally fell to a lower deck ten stories below.

In November 2022, a 28-year-old man fell overboard from a Carnival Valor cruise ship saved off the southeast coast of Louisiana after treading water for nearly 20 hours.