The Australian man who went overboard from a cruise ship earlier this week has been remembered as a ‘kind and beautiful’ soul after the search to find him was suspended.
Brisbane man Warwick Tollemache, 35, went overboard on the Quantum of The Seas at about 11pm (early Wednesday evening AEST), about 1400 kilometres south of the Hawaiian islands.
An immediate search by the ship’s crew was conducted and the US Coast Guard was called in to assist.
“Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick,” his family said in a statement.
“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.”
The US Coast Guard issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast – a widespread radio message to alert ships in the area to a distress situation – to 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.”
Passenger Susan Whittington noted there was “quite a large swell” overnight making it “almost impossible” for the search.
After six hours of searching, the aircraft was forced to return to Hawaii to refuel.
The Coast Guard also put out a call to the US Navy for aid.
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 were woken by the PA system calling “oscar, oscar, oscar”, the ship’s code for man overboard.
They were then asked to go back to their rooms and make sure all their travelling party was accounted for, while bright lights swept the water to search for the reported missing passengers.
About 90 minutes later, the passengers were told they could leave their rooms.
Passenger Georgina Thompson said she and her husband were in bed when they heard the alert call.
“There were lights, you know, the big lights shining on the ocean,” she told Today.
“And also there were a couple of boats out there in the water.”
Passengers are 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.
Thompson said it was “very sombre, very sombre”.
The cruise ship, operated by Royal Caribbean Cruises, departed Brisbane on April 12.v
“While on its trans-pacific sailing, a guest onboard Quantum of the Seas went overboard,” Royal Caribbean said in an updated statement.
“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and worked closely with local authorities.
“Out of respect for the family, we will not share further details about this unfortunate event.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his loved ones at this time.
“Quantum of the Seas departed Brisbane on April 12 and is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu (on) April 28.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said it is ready to help the family of the man who fell overboard.
“The Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu is working closely with local authorities,” the spokesperson said.
“We acknowledge the ongoing distress for the man’s family and loved ones.”