Search ends for man who went overboard cruise ship out of Florida during Christmas vacation: officials

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Crews have suspended the search for a cruise passenger who went overboard a Norwegian ship during a Christmas vacation, authorities said.

Crew members aboard the Norwegian Epic were alerted on Thursday afternoon that a 51-year-old man had gone overboard while the ship was traveling from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to Nassau, Bahamas, according to a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson.

Authorities were immediately notified, and a search and rescue operation was launched under the direction of the Bahamas Rescue Coordination Center.

"After an extensive search that was unfortunately unsuccessful, the ship was released by the authorities to continue its voyage," the spokesperson said. "The guest was traveling with a large group and his family on board is being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

The Norwegian Epic departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on Dec. 21 for a seven-day cruise with scheduled stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman Island, Ocho Rios, and Nassau, according to Cruisemapper.com. The ship is set to return to Port Canaveral on Dec. 28.

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