A tragic incident has unfolded aboard a Disney cruise ship, leaving hundreds of passengers in shock after a Melbourne man was lost at sea during a voyage to New Zealand.
Search and Rescue Operation Launched
A 73-year-old man from the Moonee Ponds suburb in north Melbourne went overboard from the Disney Wonder in the early hours of Saturday morning. Victoria Police confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 4.30 am as the ship was sailing towards Auckland.
The cruise liner immediately initiated emergency protocols, turning around in the vast Tasman Sea to search for the missing passenger. According to accounts from those on board, the ship spent around five hours sailing back and circling the area where the incident was reported.
Passengers Witness Frantic Search Efforts
Passengers first became aware that something was amiss when they noticed the ship had changed course around midday on Saturday. One passenger described the scene, noting that crew members were actively scanning the water with thermal imaging cameras in a desperate bid to locate the man.
Despite the extensive search efforts, the captain later made the sombre announcement to everyone on the ship that no sign of the passenger had been found.
Altered Itinerary and Disney's Australian Farewell
The Disney Wonder, a vessel capable of carrying 1750 passengers across its 11 decks, is now continuing its journey to New Zealand. However, the tragedy means the ship will arrive in Auckland one day later than its originally scheduled date of November 25.
This five-night cruise from Melbourne to Auckland represents one of the final voyages Disney Cruise Line will operate in Australia. The company announced earlier this year it was bidding a "fond farewell for now to Australia with her 2025/26 season."
While Disney has confirmed the Disney Wonder will not return to Australia and New Zealand for the 2026-27 season, it stated that future sailings from the region remain "a strong consideration for future itineraries" following an overwhelmingly positive guest response. The final local Disney cruise is set to depart from Sydney on January 30 next year, after which the ship will reposition to Honolulu.
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