A tragic accident struck the Disney Wonder cruise ship when a 73-year-old Melbourne man plunged overboard early Saturday morning. The pensioner reportedly fell from one of the ship’s decks at about 4:30am during the voyage to Auckland, New Zealand.
Cruise Diverts Course After Incident
The Disney Wonder, mid-Tasman Sea, was forced to turn back after the fall. Passengers only noticed the change of course around noon, hours after the man went overboard. Despite search efforts, the man’s body has not been recovered.
“The captain came on and updated the boat and basically stated that there was someone, a passenger had fallen overboard…but they were unable to find them,” said passenger Mitch Talbot. “It was quite sombre and it was just a bit eerie for the rest of the day.”
Police Confirm No Suspicious Circumstances
Victoria Police confirmed the man died after jumping into the Tasman Sea and that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Police statement: “It’s understood the man died after he jumped from a cruise liner into the waters in the Tasman Sea on 22 November about 4:30am. The body of the 73-year-old Moonee Ponds man is yet to be recovered. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Cruise Continues Despite Tragedy
After the sombre announcement, the Disney Wonder resumed its journey with passengers expected to arrive in Auckland by Wednesday. Metro has contacted Disney Cruise Lines for comment.
