The Coast Guard announced that it has suspended the search for the man who fell off Royal Caribbean cruise ship on Sunday. The ship was on the coast of Key Largo in Florida when the incident happened.
David Mossman, 46, who lived in Texas, fell from the Navigator of the Seas late Friday, according to the officials of the Royal Caribbean and the Coast Guard. The search was managed by the Coast Guard on Saturday.
A total area of 2,583 square nautical miles was explored by the search-and-rescue team before they stopped the operation, according to the Coast Guard. They extended their condolences to the family of the victim, ABC News reported.
"We want to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Mossman as the decision to suspend a search is never an easy one to make and is done with great care and deliberation," said Chris Eddy, Coast Guard 7th District's search-and-rescue technical specialist at the. "Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and an exhaustive search, our crews were unable to locate him."
Experts said that Mossman would have stunned or killed after falling a hundred feet. If ever he survived the fall, there is a little chance for him to survive a few hours in a 65-degree water, according to USA Today.
"Royal Caribbean's Care Team is providing support to the guest's family and our thoughts and prayers are with them," Royal Caribbean said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the cruise line had other struggles recently. Anthem of the Seas, one of its ships, was hit by a major Atlantic storm last month. The captain was forced to confine the passengers in their cabins for the whole night while the ship is battling with "extreme wind and sea conditions."
The Navigator of the Seas can hold more than 3,800 passengers aside from more than 1,200 crew members. It boasts "virtual balconies" where passengers can see and hear the sea in real time without leaving their stateroom.
