A dramatic rescue unfolded on 3rd June 2025, when a crew member from Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa fell overboard in Souda-Chania, Crete. The incident took place in the afternoon while the ship was docked, and passengers were exploring the beautiful Mediterranean port. The circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear, but the quick response from the crew ensured a successful rescue.
Swift Rescue Efforts
The crew of Costa Deliziosa acted immediately. They threw a life jacket to the 30-year-old Tunisian crew member and alerted local authorities. The Greek Coast Guard responded rapidly, deploying several patrol units and a rescue boat. Thanks to the combined efforts of the ship’s crew and local rescue teams, the woman was retrieved from the water, conscious and safe.
Health Assessment and Safety
Once back on board, medical personnel assessed the crew member’s condition. She was found to be in good health and required no further medical attention. The Chania Port Authority confirmed the successful rescue and the crew member’s well-being. This incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness on cruise ships.
About Costa Deliziosa
At the time of the incident, Costa Deliziosa was the only cruise ship docked in Souda-Chania. The vessel can accommodate 2,826 passengers and 934 crew members. It currently operates Mediterranean cruises, visiting ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia on itineraries of 7 and 14 nights. An investigation is underway to determine how the crew member fell overboard.
Understanding Overboard Incidents
While falling overboard is a serious concern, such incidents are rare. Data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows that between 2009 and 2019, only 212 people fell overboard. This is a small number compared to the millions who cruise each year. However, successful rescues are challenging, with only about 28% of overboard cases resulting in a rescue during that period.
Recent Overboard Cases
The most recent similar incident occurred in August 2024, when a crew member from Carnival Dream went overboard off the coast of Mexico and was not found. In October 2023, a crew member from AIDAperla fell overboard in the English Channel and was presumed lost. These incidents underscore the challenges of overboard rescues and the importance of safety measures on cruise ships.
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