Two Guests Go Overboard from Carnival Spirit, Video Evidence Being Examined

carnival cruise linesWhen Carnival Spirit debarked guests from a cruise at Sydney's Circular Quay in Australia earlier this week, two Australian citizens were missing.

The ship's video surveillance system showed evidence that the couple went overboard. New South Wales Police Superintendent Mark Hutchings said camera footage showed the couple falling from the mid-portion of the ship on Wednesday night.

That occurred when Carnival Spirit was located about 65 nautical miles off the coast of Forster, a city that's about 185 miles north of Sydney.

Authorities mounted a massive search for the two passengers, but as yet, they have have not been located.

ABC News shot video of the New South Wales Police discussing the situation at www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-09/cruise-ship-passengers-in-water-for-13-hours/4680120.

Carnival also issued the following statement:

"We have naturally been concerned since we became aware that two passengers were missing from Carnival Spirit and our thoughts are clearly with their families at this difficult time. We are working closely with New South Wales Police and assisting them in their inquiries.

"At approximately 9:15am today Australia time during the debarkation process for Carnival Spirit at the conclusion of a 10-night cruise in Sydney, it became apparent that two guests, a 26-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, were unaccounted for. The guests in question were travelling with family and friends and initial reports indicate that the couple was last seen onboard the vessel last night.

"As part of our standard protocol, a full ship search was conducted as well as examination of closed circuit video. There is indication from the shipboard video of what transpired. There is no evidence of foul play. However, out of respect for the families, we are not going to publicly disclose the details of what occurred at this time."