On Friday, Oct. 9, a 44‑year‑old El Salvadorian passenger leapt overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, drifting for almost 20 hours in the Ionian Sea near Zakynthos.
The Greek Coast Guard immediately launched a search, deploying patrol boats and a Hellenic Air Force helicopter, while nearby commercial vessels were called to assist. Royal Caribbean’s Care Team coordinated with authorities, and the cruise ship itself began its own search efforts.
In the early hours of Saturday, MSC Rossella III—a cargo ship aiding the operation—spotted the woman inside a bright orange lifebuoy, illuminated by a floating light. She was conscious and grabbed a rope thrown by crew, pulling herself aboard.
After receiving first aid, she was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Pyrgos where a local prosecutor ordered a psychiatric evaluation. The Katakolo Port Authority has opened an inquiry into the circumstances, while Royal Caribbean said it would support the passenger’s family.