You are here

Home » Cruise Ship Passenger Lost Overboard At Glacier Bay National Park

Cruise Ship Passenger Lost Overboard At Glacier Bay National Park

Share

Published Date

July 15, 2018
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve/Kurt Repanshek

A 69-year-old cruise ship passenger has been lost overboard at Glacier Bay National Park/Kurt Repanshek file

Editor's note: An update to this story can be found at this page: Man Overboard For 9 Hours Before Being Reported Missing At Glacier Bay National Park

A 69-year-old passenger of a Holland America cruise ship has been lost overboard at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

In a brief news release, the park said Saturday night that it had suspended its search for the man, who was reported missing from Westerdam on Friday. The individual was reported missing at 3:50 p.m. when he did not appear for a medical appointment on board, a park release said.

The Park Service was notified 7:30 Friday evening after a ship-wide search confirmed that the passenger was absent. 

Searches for the unidentified passenger were conducted both from Park Service boats and from the air, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The release did not say where along the 65-mile Glacier Bay the man was reported missing, and park staff could not immediately be reached Sunday morning.

Holland America Westerdam/NPS HO

This file photo of the Holland America Westerdam was released by the National Park Service.



 

Related Stories:

A Day In The Park: Glacier Bay National Park

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Bart on July 15, 2018 - 3:06pm.

I was on this tragic voyage. It's still unclear if it was suicide or simply someone Intoxicated. They called for the emergency sweep team after calling for the passenger to report to guest services 3 times. I understand this is the first passenger lost by HAL in 25 years. 


Submitted by Carlos on July 15, 2018 - 3:33pm.

Just got off this sailing on the HAL Westerdam. So many eyes on the very quiet water. I didn't see anything and I had binoculars on looking the entire time for whales etc. Heard announcements .Most assumed he did not return from Glacier Bay excursion.


Submitted by TC on July 15, 2018 - 4:23pm.

Not sure what you mean "not return" from an excursion into Glacier Bay, when passengers remain on the ship and the sail through IS the "excursion"?


Submitted by Carlos on July 15, 2018 - 7:01pm.

You are right TC. I assumed there was an excursion coming off the ship while inside Glacier Bay. Been in there many times on Carnival & Norwegian, either Glacier Bay or Tracy Arm fjord. Must have been Tracy Arm, where we got off the ship and into those same tourist boats we saw in there on Friday. There were many boats in Glacier Bay and even a few sail boats and at least one other cruise ship.


Submitted by R&L on July 15, 2018 - 7:35pm.

Praying for his family.


Submitted by CeCe on July 15, 2018 - 8:56pm.

I was on that voyage. I feel the Captain did not do everything he could to find the man. Two life boats should've been released to go back and look for the guest.Sad for his family. 


Submitted by Ummm, no on July 15, 2018 - 11:13pm.

Pretty sure the captain knows maritime search procedures and protocol better than you do


Submitted by CeCe shut up on July 15, 2018 - 11:16pm.

I'm guessing the captain has a ton more experience Than You.

Stop trying to find blame where there is none.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.