Australian man who fell over board Royal Caribbean cruise named

Australian man who fell over board Royal Caribbean cruise named

The family of a Brisbane man who fell overboard the Quantum of the Seas cruise has spoken following the calling off of the search by the US coast guard.

Warwick Tollemache, 35, is presumed dead after falling from the cruise liner around 11pm local time on Wednesday about 1400 kilometres from the Hawaiian islands.

A rescue mission was immediately launched, with guests onboard revealing they heard, “Oscar Oscar Oscar deck 15” (the code for ‘man overboard’) broadcasted through the ships PA system just after 11pm.

On top of the ships regular search measures, the US coast guard dispatched a C-130 Hercules aeroplane to lead the search, though was unsuccessful in locating the missing person before having to return to its base to refuel after six hours.

A social media statement from a family member read,  “Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick. 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.”

Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident yesterday, releasing the following statement, “while on its trans-Pacific sailing, a guest onboard Quantum of the Seas went overboard. The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities.”

It was widely reported yesterday that the missing person was the partner of another women who tragically passed away onboard the ship in the hours prior to the accident, although it has now been confirmed the pair have no connection.

Latest News

  • Tourism

Global tourism roars back to life with APAC leading the way

The global tourism industry is roaring back to life as international arrivals are up 16 per cent compared to 2023, a resurgence is largely fuelled by the Asia Pacific region particularly Australia, ForwardKeys reported at the World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit in Perth. While the region still lags pre-pandemic levels, the current pace […]

  • Aviation
  • Tourism

Travel in Oceania could add $166 billion to the regional economy and 1.1m jobs

A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council reveals that Oceania’s travel and tourism sector could inject an additional US$112BN (AU$166.4) to the region’s economy by 2034, bringing the total contribution to a record-breaking US$336BN. According to the report, in collaboration with VFS Global and launched today at WTTC’s 24th Global Summit in […]

  • Conferences
  • First Nations
  • Tourism

WA leverages Indigenous heritage as a key topic at WTTC Global Summit in Perth

Western Australia has leveraged its Indigenous heritage to be one of the key topics of the annual World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit being held in Perth (Boorloo). “Indigenous tourism has immense potential, empowering communities to be in control of their own stories and their own economic futures now that is regenerative tourism tomorrow,” […]

  • Aviation

Delta Air Lines opens the premium Delta One Lounge at LAX

Delta Air Lines has opened the Delta One Lounge at LAX, following the opening of the one at JFK in June 2024, bringing the premium lounge experience to the West Coast. The second Delta One Lounge, adjacent to the Delta Sky Club at terminal three and seats nearly 200 guests, is directly connected to the […]