Tragedy Strikes Aboard Viking Star in the Aegean Sea
A crew member from the Viking Star went overboard in the southern Aegean Sea on Monday, 27th October 2025. The incident happened at 11:31 am local time. The ship was on a seven-night Mediterranean cruise, travelling between Crete and Sicily.
Immediate Response and Search Efforts
Viking Cruises quickly activated their emergency response. They coordinated with the Italian Coast Guard to launch a comprehensive search operation. Photos from the scene show a smoke flare marking the location, with life rings thrown into the sea to assist.
Viking Star Released from Search
Marine tracking data shows Viking Star circled the area for hours. By 6:00 pm local time, the Italian Coast Guard released the ship from the search. The ship then continued its journey, as confirmed by the cruise line.
Standard Protocols in Action
Cruise ships typically assist in initial searches until local authorities take over. Specially equipped vessels and aircraft are often better suited for extended operations. Viking Star’s next stop was Messina, Sicily, arriving on Tuesday, 28th October.
Continuing the Itinerary
After Messina, the ship will head to Naples on 29th October. The final stop is Civitavecchia (Rome) on 30th October for disembarkation. Viking Star is carrying 925 guests and 471 crew members on this voyage.
Support for the Crew Member’s Family
Viking Cruises expressed their deep sadness over the incident. They are providing support to the crew member’s family during this difficult time. The ship can accommodate up to 930 passengers, depending on occupancy.
A Challenging Week for the Cruise Industry
This incident is part of a series of unfortunate events for the cruise industry. On 26th October, a crew member on P&O Cruises’ Arvia died in an onboard accident. The ship was travelling from Southampton to Tenerife.
Recent Overboard Incidents
Earlier, on 21st October, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel conducted a 10-hour search near the Azores. A person went overboard during a repositioning voyage from Barcelona to Miami. Unfortunately, the search was unsuccessful.
Ensuring Safety at Sea
Overboard and onboard fatalities are rare but serious. Each incident leads to thorough investigations to ensure safety procedures are followed. Viking Star continues to operate in the Mediterranean, visiting ports in Greece, Italy, Spain, and Croatia.
Leave a Reply