Search suspended for woman who went overboard from cruise ship near Cuba

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a 77-year-old woman who went overboard from a Holland America Line cruise ship north of Cuba, according to officials.

The incident occurred Thursday while the cruise ship Nieuw Statendam was sailing about 40 miles northeast of Sabana, Cuba, according to U.S. Coast Guard Southeast. Coast Guard officials said crews from the cutter William Trump and an MH-60 helicopter were deployed to search the area.

In an update issued at around 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, the Coast Guard said the search was suspended pending the development of new information. Officials said cruise ship personnel and Coast Guard crews searched for approximately eight hours, covering about 690 square miles.

In a statement, Holland America Line said the ship’s captain and crew immediately initiated search and rescue procedures and worked closely with the Coast Guard.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today,” the company said. “Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

The ship’s planned call to Key West, Florida, scheduled for Friday, was canceled due to the search, according to the Miami Herald. The Nieuw Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Dec. 27 for a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise.