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.

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