Republished May 16, 2018 - 10:00 AM
Original Publication Date May 16, 2018 - 9:16 AM
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - A search was underway near the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday for a crew member on a cruise ship who apparently went overboard in rough seas.
Geneva-based MSC Cruises said the crew member on the MSC Seaside was reported missing before dawn while the ship was en route to Puerto Rico from St. Maarten. The ship turned around to search for the crew member with the assistance of the U.S. Coast Guard and other ships in the area.
The effort has been hampered by large swells and winds of more than 30 mph.
The Coast Guard said the man went overboard from the seventh deck of the Seaside while the ship was about 10 miles southeast of St. Thomas. The missing man was identified as 37-year-old Michael Majaba of the Philippines.
The Coast Guard said it sent one of its ships, a smaller vessel and a helicopter to search for the man.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018