76-Year-Old Cruise Passenger Missing After Falling Overboard on Thanksgiving

A missing passenger went overboard from the TUI Marella Explorer 2 cruise ship off the coast of Tenerife, Spain on Thanksgiving Day, according to multiple reports.

Search and rescue efforts have been underway since yesterday, after the passenger, a 76-year-old British man, was seen entering the water just before 10 a.m. local time. The hunt for the missing tourist continued Friday after no trace was found yesterday.

TUI Group confirms tragedy

TUI Group, the ship's parent company, confirmed that a guest went overboard while the Explorer 2 was en route to La Gomera.

"We are deeply saddened to confirm that a guest was seen entering the water while the ship was on passage to La Gomera," TUI Group said in a statement, via PEOPLE.

“Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time. Our dedicated care team is supporting the family, providing assistance and comfort. We are working closely with local authorities and will continue to offer every possible support.”

According to news website Voz Populi, via Sky News, the ship was crossing between Funchal in Madeira and San Sebastian de La Gomera in Spain's Canary Islands when the incident occurred.

A 'somber' mood on board

In an interview with BBC, Lesley-Anne Kelly, a passenger on the Explorer 2, said guests were having breakfast when an alarm sounded, followed by a message of "man overboard."

Kelly assed that the mood on the ship turned dark Thursday night when it became clear that early search efforts had been fruitless.

"It was pretty sombre last night, especially after the announcement that they were standing down the search," she said.

More on the Marella Explorer 2

According to TUI's website, the Marella Explorer 2 holds up to 1814 passengers across its 14 decks and 907 cabins.

The ship also contains nine bars, 10 restaurants, a pool and nine lifts. It is registered in Malta.