A crew member on the Viking Star was seen going overboard at 11:31 a.m. local time Monday, October 27th, according to Viking Cruises. The ship immediately started its emergency response and began searching for the crew member with the Italian Coast Guard.
The ship changed course and circled the area in search of the crew member for six and a half hours. The ship stopped its search at 6:00 p.m. local time after the Italian coast guard relieved the ship.
The Viking Star continued on its voyage with its next stop in Sicily, Italy as part of its fourteen day itinerary starting in Istanbul, Turkey on October 16th.
The incident took place in the Ionian Sea, between Italy and Greece.
As reported by Cruise Hive, Viking Cruises issued a statement on the incident, “We are deeply saddened by what has occurred. Our thoughts are with the family of our crew member, and we will continue to support them during this difficult time.”
Unfortunately, the likelihood of the crew member being rescued after twelve hours is low. Going overboard from a cruise ship is extremely dangerous – even in the daytime when the fall is witnessed. There is no public indication that suggest the Viking Star is equipped with a man overboard system.
This is the second person to go overboard on a cruise ship this week after a passenger went overboard on the Norwegian Jewel in the Atlantic. This is the 428th person to go overboard since 2000, according to cruise expert Dr. Ross Klein.
10/28 Update:
A crew member on the Viking Star reported an anonymous tip that “the missing crew member reportedly worked in the restaurant department and came from a South African country, though details are still being confirmed. Several colleagues mentioned that she had been showing signs of emotional distress prior to the incident, possibly linked to the company’s strict internal management policies and demanding working environment.
It has also been observed that within certain departments, managers and supervisors often behave more like untouchable figures than approachable leaders, creating a communication gap that discourages crew members from speaking up. Senior management tends to protect these supervisors, which reinforces a culture of silence and fear rather than openness and support.
While Viking Cruises is recognized for its confidentiality and high operational standards, working conditions are known to be extremely demanding—particularly in the restaurant and bar departments. Long shifts, high performance pressure, and a management style centered on guest satisfaction scores contribute to significant stress levels. The company’s grooming and conduct policies are also particularly strict, including regulations such as no beards for men, no hair down for women, no makeup, and limited public expression for LGBTQ+ crew members. This heartbreaking event serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater mental health awareness, empathetic leadership, and a safer environment where crew can speak openly without fear of reprisal.” (Emphasis added)
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Image Credit: Viking Star – Wikipedia
