Missing cruise ship passenger identified
The Australian man who went overboard on a cruise ship has been identified as a 35-year-old man from Brisbane, as the frantic search for his body was called off.
Warwick Tollemache went overboard on the Quantum of The Seas early Wednesday evening (AEST), about 1400 kilometres south of the Hawaiian islands, prompting an immediate search by the vessel's crew, with the US Coast Guard was called in to assist.
The search for Tollemache was called off in the early hours of Friday morning, as his family shared a heart-breaking statement about his death.
"Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick," his family said.
"He was a kind, beautiful, and gentle soul who was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed."
"We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding."
Upon hearing of Tollemache going overboard, the US Coast Guard issued a widespread radio message to alert ships in the area to a distress situation, calling for all vessels in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii, to help look for the man.
Coast Guards were searching the site with a C-130 Hercules for the missing man to no avail so far.
"They were able to cast out a few life rings," US Coast Guard Ryan Fisher said.
"Just so if he was in the vicinity in the water he could be able to grab onto them."
After six hours of searching, the aircraft was forced to return to Hawaii to refuel, as the US Navy was also called in to help look.
Passenger Susan Whittington noted there was "quite a large swell" overnight making it "almost impossible" for the search.
The Quantum of The Seas has since arrived at Kona on Hawaii's Big Island, where passengers disembarked for some time ashore.
"Couldn't really fathom what happened," Jayden, from South Australia, told 9News.
"The ship handled it pretty well. We got sent back to our stay rooms and then they let us go back to our normal business."
Passengers recalled being woken by the PA system calling "oscar, oscar, oscar", the ship's code for man overboard.
Those onboard were shocked by the ordeal, recounting a "sombre" mood on board the ship as it continues to its destination.
"It's a shocking situation to be in," Whittington said.
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