Royal Caribbean Ship Rescues Woman After Overboard Incident

A woman from El Salvador was rescued alive on October 10, 2026 after going overboard from Royal Caribbean's Odyssey of the Seas in the Ionian Sea. The cruise ship, sailing from Mykonos toward Naples, Italy, joined a search with the Greek Coast Guard and other vessels after the incident.

According to Greek media reports citing the Hellenic Coast Guard, the 44-year-old woman entered the water about 72 nautical miles southwest of Zakynthos, Greece. Passengers said the ship changed course and circled the area for hours during the rescue effort.

The captain informed guests about the emergency around 10 a.m. after the woman was reported missing earlier that morning. The ship later cancelled its scheduled Naples stop and continued toward Civitavecchia, Italy after spending about 14 hours involved in search operations.

Royal Caribbean confirmed that a search and rescue operation had started with authorities involved. The company said it was providing support to the guest's family while withholding further details for privacy.

"We immediately launched a search and rescue effort and are working with authorities. Our Care Team is actively providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share," said a Royal Caribbean spokesperson.

The woman was reportedly found during the early hours of Saturday by a nearby cargo vessel, according to passenger accounts cited by cruise media reports. She was taken to a mainland hospital after the rescue.

"Our cruise captain confirmed she was found alive, is at mainland hospital and is doing well," said a passenger.

Other passengers reported that the woman was conscious after being recovered and received medical treatment for hypothermia. The full circumstances surrounding how she went overboard have not been confirmed by Royal Caribbean or Greek authorities.

"Captain just updated she was found alive and was taken to a hospital, walked off on her own accord, she is fine other than hypothermia," said a passenger.

Odyssey of the Seas was operating a seven-night Greek Isles itinerary that began in Civitavecchia on October 4, 2026. The Quantum Ultra-class vessel entered service in 2021 and can carry 4,198 guests at double occupancy.