The Australian man who fell overboard while on a Royal Caribbean cruise has been identified, according to Australian news outlets.
The man has been identified as 35-year-old Warwick Tollemache.
Mr Tollemache, from Brisbane, fell from the 15th deck while aboard the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship on 26 April. Search and rescue efforts went underway immediately in collaboration with the US Coast Guard to find Mr Tollemache.
But by Friday, the search was called off.
“Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick,” Mr Tollemache’s family said in a statement, as reported by 9 News Queensland.
They added: “He was a kind, beautiful, and gentle soul who was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed.”
Officials involved in the search consulted with Mr Tollemache’s family before calling off the search, per 9 News Queensland.
The tragic incident occurred approximately 500 nautical miles south of Kailua Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, on Wednesday evening.
The ship, which departed from Brisbane on 12 April was expected to arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii, today, 28 April.
In a statement provided to The Independent, Royal Caribbean International said: “The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities.”
Crew aboard the Quantum of the Seas contacted the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu for assistance. The cruise ship remained at the scene for approximately two hours before handing over the search to the US Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point C-130 Hercules sent crew to search for the man for six hours, according to a press release from the Coast Guard.
It is unclear how Mr Tollemache fell overboard. Royal Caribbean said. Out of respect for the family, the organization did not want to share further information about the event.
