Getty A 79-year-old Norwegian Cruise Line passenger reportedly went overboard on Aug. 12 The incident occurred while theNorwegian Starwas sailing in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada on its way to Greenland According to the National Weather Service, due to water temperatures, individuals without the proper protective equipment would lose dexterity in 10 to 15 minutes A 79-year-oldpassenger went overboardon aNorwegian Cruise Lineship this week. TheNorwegian Starwas sailing en route to Greenland in the early morning of Tuesday, Aug. 12. While in the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, passengers reportedly received a "Code Oscar" announcement. The signal is used to alert crew to a man overboard, perMarine Insight. "We were woken this morning by a 'Code Oscar' announcement, which means someone has gone overboard," aReddituser wrote in the Norwegian Cruise Line forum on Aug. 12. "Several people in our sailing's [Facebook] group saw lifeboats being lowered, and one saw the person being recovered." On TikTok, user Kacie de Leon said her parents heard the alert while they were sailing on the ship. "They got an alert at 3 a.m. this morning that is called a 'Code Oscar,'" she said in the Aug. 12video. "My dad just wanted me to know that they were okay. No news on if the person has been found or not." Getty https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf In a statement shared with cruise news outletsCruise HiveandCruise Radio.Net, Norwegian confirmed a man went overboard. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our guests, a 79-year-old male, was reported to have gone overboard while the ship was sailing to Greenland. The appropriate authorities have been contacted and an investigation is ongoing," the statement said. The company added: "In consideration for the family and their privacy, updates will be shared as appropriate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest's loved ones during this difficult time." The company did not share the current status of the passenger. Representatives for Norwegian Cruise Line did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. According toSeaTemperature.org— which uses data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the average August sea temperature in the region is 57 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, individuals would lose dexterity within 10 to 15 minutes if not wearing the proper protective equipment, per theNational Weather Service. Cruise lines often use codes on board to communicate different kinds of emergencies to thew crew without alarming passengers. These call signs can vary between various companies, but per theChicago Tribune,"Oscar" for man overboard is also used across the Royal Caribbean Cruises brands, which includes Celebrity and Silverseas. The outlet also reported that on Royal Caribbean ships, "Alpha" is a medical emergency, "Bravo" is a fire, and "Echo" means the ship is drifting. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Last month, acrew member on board Royal Caribbean'sIcon of the Seasdied after going overboard on July 24. A representative for the cruise line confirmed the man's death in a statement to PEOPLE and said, "Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away." They added: "We extend our condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones. To respect their privacy, we have no additional details to share." Fox affiliateWSVNreported the employee went overboard around 7 p.m. local time while the ship was en route to the Bahamas. The outlet reported a rescue boat was deployed to help the man, who was pulled from the sea onto a dinghy, but did not survive. In June,a father and daughter sailing on a Disney Cruise Lines ship were rescuedafter the girl fell overboard and her dad jumped in after her to try and save her. Read the original article onPeople
