On the morning of Thursday, November 27, 2025, what began as another day of leisure and adventure aboard the Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship quickly turned into a scene of urgent concern and coordinated rescue efforts. A 76-year-old British passenger was reported missing after falling overboard as the vessel sailed off the coast of Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. The incident set off a large-scale maritime and aerial search operation, drawing in local authorities, coast guard teams, and the ship’s own crew, as the fate of the missing man remained uncertain into the following day.
According to Sky News, the alarm was raised at 9:48 AM local time when the ship, operated by TUI under its Marella Cruises brand, was positioned 16.5 nautical miles northwest of Punta Teno, Tenerife. Passengers were startled during breakfast by the sudden blare of an alarm, followed by a repeated announcement: "Man overboard, man overboard, man overboard." Lesley-Anne Kelly, a passenger from Dundee traveling with her mother, recounted, "It was breakfast time. Everybody was up and about. It was pretty bright, so yeah I can imagine if someone had gone in at that time of the day they would have been seen by multiple people."
The Marella Explorer 2, a Malta-registered, adults-only cruise ship boasting 14 decks and 907 cabins, had departed Tenerife on November 21 for a seven-day tour of the Canary Islands and nearby destinations, including Madeira, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Gomera, as reported by BBC and The Olive Press. The vessel, which can accommodate up to 1,814 passengers, was en route from Funchal in Madeira to San Sebastian de La Gomera when the incident occurred.
Once the alert was sounded, the ship’s captain immediately activated the international "man overboard" protocol. This involved slowing the vessel to a near-stop, reviewing camera footage, launching marker buoys, and conducting circular search maneuvers in hopes of spotting the missing passenger. Marella Cruises confirmed in a statement to The Independent, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera. Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support."
The Spanish coastguard, notified immediately by the ship’s crew, coordinated a robust search and rescue mission. Helicopters, patrol boats, and a specialist search and rescue aircraft were dispatched to scan the area. According to The Olive Press, the Helimer 201 helicopter and the Guardia Civil’s Cuco helicopter took turns overhead, while the Rio Guadiato patrol boat from La Palma joined the operation the next day. The search was called off at nightfall on November 27 due to darkness, only to resume at first light on Friday, November 28.
Passengers aboard the Marella Explorer 2 were kept informed of developments throughout the ordeal. After the initial alarm, crew members were seen filing out to keep watch, and the coast guard arrived roughly half an hour later. Ms. Kelly told The Independent, "A few hours later when we were in our cabin, the captain came on to tell us a marker had been put down and the ship had to stay in position until the Coastguard said they could leave." She described the mood on board as "pretty sombre last night, especially after the announcement that they were standing down the search."
Witnesses to the incident were interviewed by authorities, as it was believed that several people saw the man fall overboard. "People had clearly seen it happen," Ms. Kelly observed, highlighting the visibility and activity on deck at the time. The Foreign Office, while not yet contacted for consular assistance, assured Sky News and BBC that it stands ready to support British nationals overseas should the need arise.
The Marella Explorer 2 eventually docked at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 2:40 AM local time on November 28, after participating in the search efforts. The ship’s journey, which had begun as a routine cruise around the scenic islands, was now overshadowed by the unresolved disappearance and the ongoing search for the missing passenger.
As the search extended into Friday evening, the Spanish coastguard maintained its efforts, utilizing both maritime and aerial resources. The operation was coordinated from the Tenerife Maritime Rescue Centre in collaboration with the Guardia Civil. The hope remained that, despite the passage of time and the challenges posed by the vast Atlantic, the combined efforts of all involved might yet yield answers.
The incident has drawn attention not only to the specific circumstances aboard the Marella Explorer 2 but also to the broader protocols and risks associated with cruise travel. The ship itself, launched 30 years ago and known for its array of amenities—including ten bars, ten restaurants, a casino, a Broadway show lounge, and an open-air cinema—was equipped with established safety procedures for emergencies at sea. Yet, as the events of November 27 demonstrated, even the best-prepared vessels can face sudden crises demanding immediate action and international cooperation.
Marella Cruises, part of the TUI UK group, reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and support for the affected family. "We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support," the company emphasized in its public statements. The ship’s crew, passengers, and the broader cruise community were left to grapple with the shock and uncertainty following the disappearance, as the search continued under the coordination of Spanish authorities.
For those on board, the routine of cruise life was abruptly interrupted by the reality of a life lost at sea and the sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of ocean travel. As the search persisted, the thoughts of many remained with the missing passenger and his loved ones, hoping for resolution and comfort amid the uncertainty.
While the outcome of this search remains unknown, the incident has underscored the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and compassion in the face of maritime emergencies, leaving a lasting impact on all those connected to the Marella Explorer 2’s voyage.
