Newport Beach, Calif. – A crew member aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas was rescued after being found unconscious in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Rescue operation
The Coast Guard reported that the man was located about ten miles from Avalon Harbor, conscious but in need of immediate assistance. Local fishermen were the first to spot the individual and pulled him aboard their vessel, after which Newport Beach lifeguards responded and helped bring him ashore.
“We are providing support and assistance to our crew member during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our employee, we have no additional details to share,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.
Medical care and investigation
The rescued employee was transported to a nearby hospital where he was listed in stable condition. The Coast Guard has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crew member’s fall into the water. No further details have been released at this time.
About the Ovation of the Seas
The Ovation of the Seas is a 14‑deck cruise ship that can accommodate 4,182 passengers and 1,500 crew members. The vessel entered service in 2016 and is one of Royal Caribbean’s 31 ships. The ship was scheduled to return to Los Angeles on Friday after completing a four‑night cruise that included stops at Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.
Royal Caribbean has not indicated whether the incident will affect the ship’s upcoming itinerary.
Community response
Local officials praised the quick actions of the fishermen and lifeguards, emphasizing the importance of vigilance along the coast. Newport Beach’s public safety department reminded residents and visitors that the waters off the coast can be hazardous, especially for those unfamiliar with ocean conditions.
“Our lifeguards and first responders are always ready to act when a situation arises,” said a Newport Beach spokesperson. “We encourage everyone to stay aware of safety advisories and to report any emergencies promptly.”
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
