A passenger aboard Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze is missing after going overboard while sailing near the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
At a Glance
- A 66-year-old American guest disappeared from the Star Breeze around 2 a.m. local time on January 19.
- The crew launched a full shipwide search and retraced the route until Navy aircraft arrived.
- The vessel is cooperating with Bahamian and French Polynesian authorities.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights safety protocols on luxury small-ship cruises in remote Pacific waters.
The discovery was made on the morning of Monday, January 19, as the 312-guest vessel steamed through the South Pacific. Windstar Cruises tells News Of Los Angeles that “crew immediately conducted a full shipwide search” once the passenger was confirmed missing.
Search and Response Timeline
- 2 a.m. local time: Passenger reportedly goes overboard near the Marquesas Islands.
- Morning announcement: Crew notifies all departments and begins cabin-by-cabin checks.
- Route reversal: Star Breeze turns back to the estimated position to deploy lookouts and rescue boats.
- Navy hand-off: French Polynesian naval aircraft arrive and assume aerial search duties.
“Star Breeze also retraced its route to support a man-overboard search until Navy aircraft arrived and assumed aerial operations,” the cruise line’s statement reads.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities from both the Bahamas (the ship’s registry) and French Polynesia (the coastal state) are leading the investigation. The line states it is “cooperating fully” and has extended “heartfelt condolences to the guest’s family and loved ones.”
Marcus L. Bennett reported that local outlet Tahiti Infos identified the missing traveler as a 66-year-old American citizen. News Of Los Angeles has reached out to the French Polynesian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Tahiti) for additional comment; no official statement has been released yet.
Voyage Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure | Papeete, Tahiti on January 15 |
| Current itinerary | En route to Nuku Hiva |
| Scheduled return | Papeete on January 28 |
| Passenger capacity | 312 |
| Crew count | 204 |
According to CruiseMapper data, the Star Breeze sails year-round in French Polynesia with week-long departures. The route typically includes remote archipelagos such as the Marquesas, Tuamotus, and Society Islands.
Windstar’s Fleet Profile
Windstar Cruises positions itself as a boutique operator specializing in small-ship luxury. Parent company Xanterra Travel Collection oversees a six-vessel fleet of “small sailing and all-suite ships,” the brand’s website notes. Star Breeze, one of three all-suite motor yachts, underwent a lengthening in 2020 that added new suites, restaurants, and an expanded spa.
The line emphasizes personalized service and access to smaller ports inaccessible to mega-ships. Safety drills are conducted at the start of every cruise, and each vessel carries man-overboard recovery equipment including fast-rescue boats and thermal imaging cameras.
Previous Incidents
While rare, overboard cases in the region have occurred. French Polynesian maritime records show only a handful of similar events in the past decade, most attributed to late-night accidents or intentional acts. The vast search area and deep waters complicate recovery efforts; currents can carry objects dozens of nautical miles within hours.
What Happens Next
Investigators will review closed-circuit video, key-card logs, and eyewitness accounts to establish a precise timeline. The Bahamian Maritime Authority often dispatches inspectors to the vessel at its next port, while French Polynesian prosecutors can open a criminal inquiry if foul play is suspected. The Star Breeze is expected to continue its scheduled sailing unless authorities order an earlier return to port.
Key Takeaways
- A 66-year-old American guest disappeared from the Star Breeze near the Marquesas Islands on January 19.
- The crew initiated immediate search procedures and worked with Navy aircraft.
- Both Bahamian and French Polynesian officials are investigating.
- The incident underscores the challenges of emergency response in remote Pacific waters.
