Man missing after going overboard near Moreton Island

Authorities are searching for a man who disappeared after going overboard from a Carnival cruise ship near Moreton Island overnight.

The man, in his 70s, was a passenger on Carnival Splendor, which was sailing from the island towards Sydney.

A Carnival Cruise Line spokeswoman said it was helping authorities search for the man, who had apparently climbed over the safety railing and jumped.

“The male guest was travelling with family, who alerted the ship’s crew of a possible missing person,” the spokeswoman said.

“A review of the CCTV footage confirmed the guest’s action.

“All appropriate authorities have been alerted, and Carnival will assist authorities in their investigation upon the ship’s return to Sydney.

“Carnival’s Care Team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved one.”

A passenger on board the Carnival Splendor said the alert was first raised before 2am, with the captain confirming the incident within the hour.

The passenger said a rescue helicopter could be seen searching the waters, with the search still underway on Saturday as they remained off Moreton Island.

“We are all safe, but I am disappointed Carnival are not being upfront that we will be sure to be late to our 6am Sydney arrival tomorrow,” they said.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said it was notified by the cruise ship early on Saturday morning, advising that a person had been lost overboard about 30 kilometres north-east of Moreton Island.

“AMSA is currently co-ordinating the search and rescue operation and has tasked its Cairns and Melbourne-based Challenger jets, five rescue helicopters from around the metropolitan Brisbane area, and six surface vessels into the area, with Queensland Police assisting AMSA with the operation,” a spokeswoman said.

If you, or someone you know, needs support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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