A crew member aboard Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess died after falling overboard near the coast of Cancún, Mexico, shortly after the ship departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The vessel was on a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary with scheduled stops in Mexico, Belize and Honduras.
Search and Rescue Operation Involving Multiple Parties
The overboard incident triggered a search-and-rescue effort off Cancún involving the ship’s own crew, Mexican maritime authorities, the Coast Guard, and the crew of the nearby Carnival Jubilee. During the operation, the Regal Princess repeatedly circled the area and slowed down to assist in the search. The effort continued
for approximately eight hours before the crew member was declared deceased.
Impact on Itinerary and Voyage Resumption
The incident caused postponement of the Regal Princess’ scheduled stop in Cozumel, originally planned prior to July 14, and rescheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026. After the search concluded, the ship left the waters near Cancún and proceeded on its itinerary with the next port of call in Belize, followed by a planned return to Florida on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
Official Statements and Passenger Account
Princess Cruises confirmed the death and extended “heartfelt condolences” to the family and friends of the crew member. The cruise line also offered grief support services to both
guests and crew affected by the event. Additionally, Princess Cruises acknowledged the assistance of local authorities and the Carnival Jubilee crew during the search.
Passenger David Jimenez described the ship’s response, stating, “At times the ship slowed down and went in circles. Then they would come back and circle again.” The search ultimately lasted about eight hours before the fatality was announced.
