A 44-year-old Salvadorian female passenger aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas went overboard early on Friday, October 9, 2026, while sailing southwest of the Greek island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea. She was adrift at sea for approximately 20 hours before being rescued, according to the Greek coast guard.
Greek coast guard leads extensive rescue operation
The Greek coast guard coordinated the rescue with two patrol boats and a navy helicopter dispatched to the area. Nearby ships were rerouted, and the Odyssey of the Seas joined the search. A passing freighter located the passenger floating in an orange life ring, and the
Greek coast guard patrol boat picked her up early on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Passenger condition and post-rescue procedures
The passenger was conscious when rescued. She was taken to the port of Katakolo and transferred to a hospital in Pyrgos for health and psychiatric evaluation as ordered by the local prosecutor. A Greek coast guard spokesperson said the woman jumped because she “wanted to disembark.” Video footage released by the Greek coast guard showed the rescue involving a rope thrown to the woman floating in the dark.
Odyssey of the Seas ship details and cruise operations
Royal Caribbean Cruises operates the Odyssey of the Seas, which measures 1,138 feet in length and accommodates 4,198
guests. The vessel offers seasonal cruises to the Greek Isles, including routes in the Ionian Sea where the incident occurred.
