The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 77-year-old woman who they said fell from a Holland America cruise ship on New Year’s Day.
According to Coast Guard officials, the woman fell overboard the Nieuw Statendam ship about 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba.
Coast Guard Cutter William Trump & Air Station Clearwater MH-60 crews were searching the water for her, but have since suspended their search.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today,” Holland America said in a statement to Local 10 News Thursday afternoon. “The captain and crew initiated search and rescue procedures and are searching the area working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard which has deployed a cutter and helicopter to assist. Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Because of the search, the ship’s planned stop in Key West Thursday was canceled.
Nieuw Statendam is on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise which departed from Port Everglades last Saturday, Dec. 27.
It will arrive back at Port Everglades Saturday, Jan. 3.
No other details about the victim and how she fell were immediately released.
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.
