Man, 73, Missing After Going Overboard a Disney Cruise Line Ship: ‘It Was a Bit Eerie the Rest of the Day,’ Passenger Recalls

A 73-year-old man is missing after going overboard from a Disney Cruise Line ship during an early-morning incident in the Tasman Sea.

The man fell from the Disney Wonder at about 4:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 22, while the ship was sailing from Melbourne, Australia, to Auckland, New Zealand, 7 News Australia reported, citing Victoria Police. Authorities believe he entered the water after jumping from the vessel, a police spokeswoman told the outlet. His identity has not been released publicly.

Following the report, the Disney Wonder turned back as crew members conducted a search for roughly five hours, according to 7 News Australia. The effort did not locate the man.

Passenger Mitch Talbot said the captain informed those onboard about the situation, explaining that a passenger had gone overboard and could not be found. Talbot described the atmosphere afterward as subdued, noting that many aboard felt the weight of the news throughout the day.

The missing passenger is believed to be from Moonee Ponds, a suburb in north Melbourne, per 7 News Australia.

Officials have said the incident is not being treated as suspicious. A coroner’s report is being prepared, WDWNT News Today reported.

The Disney Wonder has continued on to Auckland and is expected to arrive one day later than planned, reaching port on Wednesday, Nov. 26, according to 7 News Australia.