A 77-year-old woman is missing after reportedly going overboard from Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam on Jan. 1, about 40 miles off Sabana, Cuba. The ship left Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 27 and was due back Jan. 3. The captain and crew began search-and-rescue operations and are coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, which deployed the cutter William Trump and an MH-60 helicopter. A planned Key West stop was canceled, and the cruise line is supporting the passenger’s family while details remain limited.
77-Year-Old Woman Missing After Falling Overboard From Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam on New Year’s Day
Ken Jack/GettyThe Holland America Line cruise ship Nieuw Statendam at anchor in the Firth of Forth near the Forth Bridge, on May 29, 2025 in South Queensferry, Scotland, United Kingdom.
A 77-year-old woman is missing after reportedly falling overboard from Holland America’s cruise ship Nieuw Statendam on New Year’s Day, authorities said.
Search Efforts Underway
The U.S. Coast Guard reported the incident occurred on Thursday, Jan. 1, while the ship was sailing in the eastern Caribbean, approximately 40 miles off the coast of Sabana, Cuba. The Nieuw Statendam had departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Dec. 27 and was scheduled to return on Jan. 3.
Holland America confirmed the event in a statement, saying the ship’s captain and crew immediately initiated search-and-rescue procedures and are coordinating closely with the U.S. Coast Guard. The cruise line added:
“Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
Resources Involved
The Coast Guard said it has deployed the cutter William Trump and an MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater to assist in the search. Crew members aboard the Nieuw Statendam are also scanning the reported area.
The ship’s planned port call in Key West on Jan. 2 was canceled while the response is ongoing. Neither Holland America nor the Coast Guard has released the woman’s name or details about how she entered the water, and both agencies did not immediately provide further comment to media outlets.
Authorities continue to search the area, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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