A large-scale search operation is underway off the coast of Scotland for a passenger who went overboard from the Ambassador cruise liner Ambition. The incident occurred around 8:35 a.m. on Friday, approximately 36 nautical miles east of Arbroath, Angus. The vessel was en route from Lerwick in the Shetland Islands to Dundee when the man was discovered missing.
The search involves HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeboats, and coastguard rescue teams from Dundee, Arbroath, and St. Andrews. A commercial search-and-rescue helicopter and aeroplane, along with several nearby vessels, are also assisting in the effort.
The Ambassador cruise liner Ambition has since docked in Dundee. Following a ship-wide search, passengers were permitted to disembark. Police Scotland confirmed they were alerted to the incident Friday morning and are working with the coastguard.
A spokesperson for Ambassador Cruise Line stated that the company adheres to stringent search-and-rescue protocols in line with international maritime safety standards. The company is collaborating closely with the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Police Scotland as the investigation progresses. The spokesperson added that the incident caused a slight delay to the turnaround operation in Dundee but advised guests scheduled to travel on the Ambition to proceed to the port as planned. The man's next of kin has been informed, and he remains missing.