Crew Member Dies After Falling Overboard From Cruise Ship Off Scotland

A crew member aboard the luxury cruise ship Hebridean Princess has died after falling overboard while the ship was sailing through the Sound of Mull off Scotland’s west coast.

Police Scotland said officers received a report at about 8:30 p.m. on June 16 that a man’s body had been found in the water near Corran Esplanade in Oban.

The force said the death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

The incident happened on Tuesday evening while the Hebridean Princess, operated by Hebridean Island Cruises, was travelling through the Sound of Mull.

The company said it immediately began emergency response procedures on board and notified HM Coastguard and Police Scotland.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of a crew member from Hebridean Princess following a man-overboard incident in the Sound of Mull on the evening of 16 June,” the company said.

Hebridean Island Cruises said it is supporting the authorities with their investigation.

“The individual’s next of kin have been informed, and our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues,” the company said, adding that it would not release any further details while inquiries are ongoing.

According to reports, 38 people were on board the ship at the time of the incident. Oban Coastguard Rescue Team was called out shortly after 8:00 p.m.

The Hebridean Princess was on a seven-day round-trip Inner and Outer Hebrides cruise that left Oban on June 9 and returned on June 16, according to the cruise operator.

Police have not released further details about how the crew member fell into the water. Their investigation is continuing, while Hebridean Island Cruises said it is cooperating with the authorities.

References: BBC, People