Royal Caribbean Rescue Video Shows Woman Pulled Alive From Dark Sea After Nearly 24 Hours

A 44-year-old woman who went overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas was found alive in the dark waters off Greece on Oct. 10, after spending nearly 20 hours at sea, according to the Hellenic Coast Guard. Nighttime footage captures the moment rescuers reach the woman in the dark sea.

The rescue followed an extensive search that began on Friday, Oct. 9, after the woman went into the Ionian Sea southwest of Zakynthos. The woman, who is from El Salvador, was conscious when she was recovered, and authorities took her to a hospital for medical evaluation.

Rescue Video Shows Woman Pulled From Dark Water

Footage released by Greek maritime authorities captures the harrowing moments when a rescue vessel approaches the woman in the dark sea. Crew members throw a rope toward her as she remains inside the floating life ring, allowing rescuers to bring her closer and pull her to safety.

The Hellenic Coast Guard said the woman was found in the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 10, by the cargo ship MSC Rossella III, which was participating in the search. A flashing light attached to the life ring helped rescuers locate her in the water.

According to the coast guard, the woman was responsive when a Greek search-and-rescue vessel recovered her. CBS News, citing AFP, reported that the woman was taken to hospital for health tests that included a psychiatric evaluation ordered by a local prosecutor.

She received first aid aboard the vessel before being transported to the port of Katakolo on the Greek mainland and then to a hospital in nearby Pyrgos. Reports indicated that she was treated for hypothermia, with further details about her condition not publicly established.

Search Began After Passenger Went Overboard on Oct. 9

The incident occurred while Odyssey of the Seas was sailing in the Ionian Sea, southwest of Zakynthos. Greek authorities dispatched two coast guard vessels and a Hellenic Air Force helicopter, while nearby ships were asked to assist in the search.

The cruise ship also took part in the operation as rescuers searched for the missing passenger. The vessel had been sailing from Mykonos, Greece, toward Naples, Italy, as part of a seven-night Mediterranean cruise that departed Civitavecchia, Italy, on Oct. 4.

A coast guard spokesperson told AFP that the woman said she had gone overboard because “she wanted to disembark.” Authorities have not publicly established all the circumstances surrounding the incident while the investigation remains ongoing.

Royal Caribbean Confirms Search and Rescue Effort

Royal Caribbean confirmed that it launched a search after the passenger went missing while it continued to work with the authorities.

“We immediately launched a search and rescue effort and are working with authorities,” the company said in a statement reported by Cox Media Group. It added that its Care Team was supporting the woman’s loved ones.

“For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share,” the company said.

The prolonged search in open water ended with Greek authorities still investigating the incident.