The search has been called off for a man who jumped overboard his cruise ship Friday as it traveled to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, from the Bahamas.
The 24-year-old man from the U.S. was seen "intentionally going overboard" the Anthem of the Seas ship just after 4 p.m. Friday when the vessel was off the coast of Virginia, Royal Caribbean Cruises manager Owen Torres said.
"The ship immediately began a search for the guest and notified the U.S. Coast Guard," he said. "After several hours of searching, the Coast Guard released Anthem to resume its scheduled itinerary while USCG search operations continue," Torres said.
The Coast Guard searched overnight for the young man by helicopter and sea, but by 11 a.m. Saturday the search was called off, NJ.com reports.
"There's not a possibility that he is alive," a Coast Guard spokesman said.
Torres said the ship's "Care Team" was providing support to the guest’s family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."
The cruise ship was set to leave New Jersey Saturday evening, per its scheduled itinerary.
