by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:35 AM ET, Wed January 23, 2019
A 22-year-old passenger sailing on a Princess Cruises ship intentionally jumped from the vessel Monday and is believed to have died in the waters below.
According to news.com.au, the Golden Princess cruise ship was carrying around 2,600 guests and 1,100 crew members on a 13-day cruise from New Zealand to Australia when the unidentified man reportedly jumped off the ship in the early morning hours.
The Princess Cruises crew issued several public address announcements and conducted a search of all public and private areas of the ship for the missing man, but it was determined that he was not onboard.
Upon looking at the surveillance footage, officials saw what they believe is the man intentionally jumping from the vessel, according to an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokesperson.
"Given the time that has elapsed since he was last seen by other guests, with the deepest regret, and in consultation with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, we have accepted the expert view that there is, unfortunately, no likelihood of survival," a Princess Cruises spokesperson said. "The guest's family was notified and our Care team is providing support at this difficult time."
The Golden Princess is expected to dock in Melbourne Wednesday, with Victoria Police announcing they will be preparing a report for the coroner following the disappearance. Authorities are not treating the man's death as suspicious.
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