The Uruguayan and Brazilian navies have initiated a search and rescue operation following the disappearance of a male crew member from the MSC Poesia ship, operated by MSC Cruises.
The man was reported missing shortly after the vessel left Montevideo on Friday, February 21st.
The absence was first noted when the crew failed to report for duty. A subsequent review of onboard surveillance footage allowed ship officers to determine the time and location at which the crew member went overboard.
According to Uruguayan authorities, MSC Poesia departed Montevideo at 17:00 local time on Friday, bound for Camboriu (Brazil) with an expected arrival date of February 23rd.
The missing man was identified as 32-year-old Filipino national Bueno Jeric, last seen on Deck 7. His absence was confirmed when the vessel was ~13 nautical miles from Brazilian waters.
Upon detecting the incident, the ship contacted the Uruguayan Navy, which launched an operation involving a patrol vessel and a reconnaissance aircraft. A helicopter was placed on standby, and navigational warnings were issued to vessels in the vicinity.
By Sunday, February 23rd, the Uruguayan Navy reported that MSC Poesia had pinpointed the exact moment when the man went overboard. Surveillance footage showed him positioned on Deck 7 forward-portside, near the liferaft station, with additional imagery from a bridge wing camera detecting movement in the water.
As the search area transitions into Brazilian territorial waters, the Brazilian maritime authority has assumed control of the operation, though Uruguayan authorities have been requested to continue efforts within their jurisdiction.
An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether it was accidental or deliberate. All available evidence, including recorded footage and statements, has been secured on board and will be submitted to the relevant authorities for further examination.
For more MSC Poesia incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.