A 44-year-old woman from El Salvador was rescued early on Saturday, October 10th, after spending nearly 20 hours adrift in the Ionian Sea approximately 70 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos Island, Greece. She was found during a search and rescue operation involving the Hellenic Coast Guard and was conscious when recovered.
Search and Rescue Operation Details
The rescue effort included two Hellenic Coast Guard vessels, an Air Force helicopter, and several merchant ships operating in the area. The woman’s lifebelt light was spotted by the crew of a merchant vessel taking part in the large-scale search. After recovery, she was given first aid onboard a
Coast Guard rescue vessel and then transported to Katakolo port in western Peloponnese. She subsequently underwent medical observation and tests at a hospital in Pyrgos.
Cruise Ship Identity and Itinerary Impact
The incident involved the Odyssey of the Seas, a Quantum Ultra class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International with a passenger capacity of around 4,200. The vessel was en route from Mykonos, Greece, to Naples, Italy, when the passenger went overboard approximately 72 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos. The ship spent several hours circling the area during the search, which led to the cancellation of its scheduled stop in Naples. To compensate for the
delay, the ship adjusted its itinerary and completed the voyage at Civitavecchia near Rome.
Official Statements and Passenger Condition
A Greek coastguard spokesperson confirmed the woman jumped overboard because she wanted to disembark. The Greek coastguard officer noted she was in the water for about 20 hours. Following the rescue, authorities ordered a psychiatric evaluation, and the woman was transferred to medical facilities for further assessment and observation.
Maritime Safety and Operational Response
The rescue highlights the Hellenic Coast Guard’s coordinated response to maritime emergencies involving cruise passengers. The deployment included multiple vessels, aerial support, and cooperation from merchant ships in the region. Royal Caribbean International navigated operational challenges following
the incident by amending the Odyssey of the Seas’ itinerary to recover lost time while prioritizing passenger safety.
