A crew member aboard the Regal Princess cruise ship has died after falling overboard off the coast of Cancún, according to Princess Cruises.
The unidentified worker was found dead Monday after authorities launched a major search operation in the waters surrounding the massive 19-deck vessel.
It remains unclear how the crew member ended up in the water.
The Regal Princess had departed Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday for a seven-day cruise.
Princess Cruises did not release the worker’s name, age or job title.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew’s family and friends during this difficult time,” a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement.
The company added that grief counseling and support services were being offered to passengers and crew members affected by the tragedy.
Princess Cruises also thanked local maritime authorities and crew members from the Carnival Jubilee for helping with the search-and-rescue effort.
After the crew member was found, the Regal Princess continued its voyage and was scheduled to make its next stop in Belize on Tuesday.
The cruise is expected to end when the ship returns to Fort Lauderdale on Saturday.
