In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Coast Guard announced they had ceased their search efforts Thursday after scouring approximately 690 square miles over eight hours. The woman was reported missing from the Nieuw Statendam cruise ship about 40 miles off the coast of Sabana, Cuba, on New Year’s Day. The search remains suspended unless new information emerges.

Holland America Line, the cruise operator, expressed their sorrow in a statement to ABC News: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that while sailing in waters north of Cuba, a guest on Nieuw Statendam went overboard earlier today. Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

The Nieuw Statendam’s journey began in Fort Lauderdale on December 27, 2025, for a weeklong exploration of the eastern Caribbean, as reported by the Orlando Sentinel. The cruise was intended to return to its starting point on January 3, but the unfortunate incident cast a shadow over the voyage.

The ship started its weeklong journey through the eastern Caribbean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025 and was set to return Saturday, Jan. 3, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The ship’s planned trip to Key West Friday was canceled due to the search. 

“Our family assistance team is supporting the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time,” the cruise line told the Miami Herald.

The woman’s identity has not been released and it’s unclear if searches not from the coast guard are still ongoing. It’s unclear how the woman went overboard on the ship. 

No other information is known at this time.